Koru Hideaway – an affordable luxury in Matakana

Owned by Lindsay and Brian McPhun, Koru Hideaway is tucked away from prying eyes on the stunning Tāwharanui Peninsula.

Images: Alex Spodyneiko

Lindsay was born and raised in Zimbabwe, where she developed her lifelong passion for nature and wildlife, and found her true calling as a wildlife artist when she moved to America. It’s where she met Brian, a Kiwi and goldsmith by trade, and where they lived for many years before a New Zealand lifestyle beckoned.

When the 120-acre farm surrounding their Tāwharanui home was put up for sale with a proposal to build houses, they knew they had to do something before the character of the bay was forever changed. They bit the bullet and bought the farm, initially living in a shed before building Koru House. Six years in the making, they moved from section to section until it was finally complete.

On arrival, we’re warmly welcomed by our hosts and their three rescue greyhounds. Lindsay, now an internationally recognised wildlife artist, gives us a tour of their spacious home where the high ceilings and enormous windows give the house a light and airy ambience. The sliding glass doors frame spectacular views, and spacious decks lead to expansive lawns, which are the perfect size for a game of cricket or volleyball.

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Original and reproduction art – including Lindsay’s – adorn the walls. With the infusion of ethnic colours and textures, there’s a definite ‘Africa’ feel to much of the décor. The exterior’s award-winning design and unique architectural features are equally impressive and the combination of concrete (cast on site), limestone and glass blend perfectly into the countryside. As its name suggests, the exterior layout is based on a koru frond curling towards the infinity solar-heated swimming pool. There’s also an inviting pergola entertainment area with wood-fired pizza oven.

Koru Hideaway is the studio wing of Koru House offering two self-contained spacious units that can fit families of up to six people. Our room has beautiful rustic furniture with tasteful ethnic touches; there’s a decent–sized kitchen (the accommodation is self-catering) and a wood-burning fireplace with two cosy bean bags placed in front – most welcome on the cold evenings. The pièce de résistance is the spa bath nestled in a sheltered corner on the outside deck – with a glass in hand while staring up at the stars, taking a hot soak is a definite must-do.

Over the years, Brian and Lindsay have planted more than 300,000 trees, which are covenanted, and this effort, together with being located in close proximity to the predator-free Tāwharanui Regional Park, has created an area rich with birdlife – ideal for Lindsay’s art. Koru Hideaway is an absolute hidden treasure. Setting aside any thoughts of work, it’s the perfect place to escape, unwind and luxuriate in its delightful offerings.

THINGS TO DO IN MATAKANA