Limestone boulders are interior feature of dramatic ‘red house’

If you’re looking for something outside the ordinary, you’ve just found it - this amazing house in the bush at Pōhara in Golden Bay is a head-turner.

Owners Sir Louis and Lady Campbell certainly had their heads turned in 2022 when they moved here. They say they fell for the “amazing setting” - the house is surrounded by lush bush and nestled amongst ancient Takaka limestone crops.

“We loved the trees, the bush, the shelter and privacy,” Sir Louis says. And of course, the “unique, bespoke construction” of the house designed by Trevor Henderson Architects was also a deciding factor.

And it’s the house that first catches your eye - notably its bright red colour. The roofs and walls are Pioneer Red Colorsteel, with the red playing off the dark green of the bush beautifully. The bits in-between are all glazed - privacy is not an issue with the site.

Designed to look “as sculpted as the land it inhabits”, the house has a long glazed entry that steps up the slope of the 3700m² section to the elevated building platform. Large limestone boulders remain in place beside the steps, which negotiate the space around them.

The house has two living areas, three bedrooms, two bathrooms and three separate toilets. And floor-to-ceiling windows maximise the sun, light and view throughout the day.

And while there is an easy flow to the outdoors, the most spectacular outdoor living area is beside the 15m inground pool at one side of the house. As well as outdoor seating and a grassed barbecue area, there’s an elevated Archgola with tiled flooring for seamless indoor-outdoor fun.

The Campbells say they have really enjoyed living in the house and “all that Golden Bay has to offer”, notably the beaches, birdlife, walks, drives, Takaka Village and “the friendly people”.

But now, with grandchildren in Australia, they are on the move: “We are selling to move closer to an [international] airport so we can visit our children and grandchildren in Australia,” Sir Louis says.

They have listed their property with Andre Bezar of Winder & Co, who says sustainability is another key feature built into the property. There is 70,000L of filtered rainwater storage, solar-boosted hot water, and terraced vegetable gardens.

The landscaping by Erik Ellis of Christchurch follows the nature contours of the land ensuring it is all in harmony.

Other features include an extra-height garage to accommodate vehicles, boats or trailers - there is a workshop at the rear.

The property, at 49 Bay Vista Drive, Pōhara, Tasman is for sale by negotiation. The last sale in 2022 was $1.8m.