Okahukura Lodge

About

A 1940's Lands and Survey farmhouse now available to be rented out and enjoyed. In my 60's but keen to engage with this social media thing

Story

Okahukura Lodge design philosophy

I think the design approach for Okahukura Lodge was as much about what we took out, as what we put in. The living area was opened up. We didn't want want people locked away in little rooms. We wanted to open the space up to the views through the different windows. We wanted to open up (and label) the kitchen cupboards so people weren't having to search for the things they wanted. We took out an old fireplace to make room for a new pantry.

We pulled up the carpet and lino to reveal the rimu floor, and then oiled it - ready for gumboots and wine glasses . We took out some walls to enlarge the bathroom, and took out the frosted windows to engage with the view.

In the future we want to take some fences out and connect the house with the land (and yet to be planted native bush)

What's gone back into the house is supposed to be comfortable, but not precious. We did want to give the house it's own personality. Perhaps sometimes it's a little too retro/kitsch, but what's gone back in is supposed to engage the senses, and make you smile. We hope the house doesn't take itself too seriously. We wanted the house to be interesting, humble, honest, and happy. It's a house to relax in, to laugh with friends and family.

We certainly don't want the house to feel designed, but we do want it to have layers and a story, as we start a new chapter in the history of this house, the land (and us).