With family ties to the Netherlands and long summers spent in Aotearoa, Judith Markus wanted a space that brought those worlds together: Earthy, lived-in, but still refined.
Nestled on a working station near Ocean Beach, the new build, led by architectural designer Brigit Christie, is a series of gabled forms that nod to rural barns, softened by an airy palette and layered, textural finishes.
Inside, everything feels relaxed yet purposeful. There’s a quiet consistency in the palette: warm neutrals, natural stone, and buttery leathers — including a draped black pendant above the kitchen island that Judith chose for its sculptural quality.
Just beneath that, our Kakī barstools sit confidently at the island. With lines inspired by the long-legged native stilt bird and a profile that feels both light and grounded, they speak to the home’s broader theme — one of quiet strength, balance, and connection to nature. Like the best design elements, they don’t overpower the room, but they do anchor it.
Their presence is subtle, but deeply considered — a perfect fit for a space where every choice tells a story.
“It reminds me of the reins of a horse and is a reference to the equestrian farm.”
Used as the dining chair, the Journey Chair by Stellar Works contributes to the tactile, natural feel of the interior. Like much of the home, it’s subtle, but significant.
The ability to combine eras and textures without visual noise is what gives the house its calm. And it’s also what makes it feel truly lived in.
Though peaceful, this is not a house built for solitude. The courtyard, framed by the two buildings, hosts long lunches, impromptu yoga sessions, and gatherings of local friends or Judith’s daughters visiting from London.
Morning coffee is taken on the bedroom terrace. Afternoons often call for a dip in the plunge pool. By evening, the west-facing courtyard becomes the natural gathering point — with the sun dropping behind grazing ponies in the distance.
Landscape design by Suzanne Turley
To view featured items:
Photos: Hazel Redmond
Architectural/Interior Design: Brigit Christie
Homestyle.co.nz
Build: BNL Construction and Builders
Landscape Design: Suzanne Turley