Scrubby Bay — Akaroa, New Zealand
Owned by New Zealand businessman Mark Palmer, the 4,000-acre Annandale estate farm, a leisurely hour’s drive south from Christchurch, ticks all our boxes for an old-fashioned yet luxurious getaway. Its location on the Banks Peninsula – a spectacular rocky headland facing the Pacific Ocean – is a picturesque palette of muscular ridges, private coves, and grassy hills grazed by the resident sheep and cattle. The master plan by architect Andrew Patterson comprises five spacious villas. Of these, the newly opened Scrubby Bay is, design-wise, probably the one that cleaves closest to the ideal of the New Zealander bach, and it’s all the more unforgettable for it. Comfortably accommodating 14 guests, the secluded cedar-clad villa stretches out along the beach and features three sea-fronted suites, a deck warmed by an open fire pit, and an outdoor spa. Arrival at this sea-flecked retreat is either by helicopter or a panoramic drive along cliff-top tracks. Roughing it has never been this comfortable.
ADDRESS
Annandale
P.O. Box 80019
Pigeon Bay
RD3 Akaroa 7550
New Zealand
Wallpaper* Newsletter
Receive our daily digest of inspiration, escapism and design stories from around the world direct to your inbox.
Daven Wu is the Singapore Editor at Wallpaper*. A former corporate lawyer, he has been covering Singapore and the neighbouring South-East Asian region since 1999, writing extensively about architecture, design, and travel for both the magazine and website. He is also the City Editor for the Phaidon Wallpaper* City Guide to Singapore.
-
The Volkswagen Passat is a sober, straight edged estate car that feels increasingly out of time
Why would anyone pass on a Passat? Volkswagen’s big load lugger proves that the old ideas are still the best
By Jonathan Bell Published
-
Italian designer Enrico Marone Cinzano fuses natural perfection with industrial imperfection
Enrico Marone Cinzano's first solo show at New York’s Friedman Benda gallery debuts collectible furniture designs that marry organic materials with upcycled industrial components
By Adrian Madlener Published
-
Tom Wesselmann’s enduring influence on pop art goes under the spotlight in Paris
‘Pop Forever, Tom Wesselmann &...’ is on view at Fondation Louis Vuitton in Paris until 24 February 2025
By Ann Binlot Published
-
The Black Diamond is a hidden culinary gem in Aotearoa New Zealand
Reached after a guided horse trek, The Black Diamond awaits with an off-the-beaten-track culinary experience
By Jessica-Belle Greer Published
-
Villa One at the One & Only Palmilla — Los Cabos, Mexico
By Chadner Navarro Published
-
Martim — Wroclaw, Poland
By Daven Wu Last updated
-
Tattersalls Hotel — Armidale, Australia
By Dimity Noble Last updated
-
KLoé Hotel — Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
By Jennifer Choo Last updated
-
Casa Hoyos — San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
By Daven Wu Last updated
-
Littlenap — Hangzhou, China
By Daven Wu Last updated
-
Casa Santa Teresa — Corsica, France
By Daven Wu Last updated