Lighthouse keeper’s house on shipwreck coast is a treasure

The lighthouse is one of only a small number of remaining timber lighthouses in New Zealand. It has a Historic Place Category 2 listing with Heritage New Zealand.

The owners are offering a qualified buyer the chance to spend a free weekend at the cottage so they can experience exactly what’s on offer, both at the property and in the area.

While no structural changes were made to the house, the restoration has transformed the interior. The kauri floorboards are 1-inch thick.

There’s a new kitchen designed in keeping with tradition.

The owners say in places they peeled through seven layers of paint, stripping every single board, inside and out, back to the bare timber.

The house is currently set up to host guests - the owners live close by.

Despite its small size, the cottage has three bedrooms.

Painting all the rooms the same shade of light grey has increased the sense of space.

Even the refitted bathroom maintains the period style.

There are many antique fixtures and fittings in the house. An old newspaper features behind the glass splashback.