Matheson Bay
Peter and Donna, co-owners of Sarsfield Brooke Ltd. in Parnell who import furniture and art mainly from Italy, Spain and Ecuador, have a trained eye for quality design.
They wanted to buy a do-up in Mangawhai but nothing hit the right note.
Then they came across a piece of land that sloped down to Matheson Bay, a location they both love for its old Kiwi family beach appeal.
Client
Peter Lancaster and Donna Higginson
Year
2010
Location
Te Kohuroa / Mathesons Bay
size
New Build
architect
John Durkin
Type
Residential Project
Mixing classical with contemporary
The pair never intended to build from scratch and for Donna, who is used to renovating character houses, the new build process was revealing.
“John really listened to our needs and challenged us on much of our thinking. Architects are much cleverer than I ever gave them credit for,” she says.
While European design both old and new features strongly in the interior, Kiwi creativity is not forgotten. This couple’s skill lies in mixing the classical with the contemporary to create a place that feels easy to relax in.
The sense of history combined with fresh-off-the-block architecture lends a certain magic to the home.
