HB Today - Lifestyle Feature March 2022

it’s all about

LIFESTYLE! MARCH 2022

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Luxury glamping at Patangata Valley

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Wallpaper with Resene

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LUXURIOUS GLAMPING AT PATANGATA VALLEY • By Chrys Ayley

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ndy Lee, a farmer, proposed to his girlfriend Liv at the summit of a hill at Patangata that offers outstanding views of the rolling countryside of Central Hawke’s Bay and of the most glorious sunrises and sunsets.

The couple travelled overseas and later married.

They have recently welcomed daughter Francesca who is now four months old. Andy and Liv bought their 60ha farm, Tirohanga just over three years ago. Here they breed and finish sheep and beef.

Before this Andy managed a farm in Hawke’s Bay and Liv was, and still is, a banker who is currently on maternity leave from the BNZ. Tirohanga means ‘Place of view’ which is very apt for this stunning property in Hautope Road which overlooks the Tukituki River and the Central Hawke’s Bay landscape.

The couple, who were both reared in a rural community in Central Hawke’s Bay, first discovered the excitement of glamping while they were touring East Africa in 2015. They found it amazing to see lions and elephants close up and thought the concept of luxurious camping could be transferred to New Zealand.

“We come from agricultural backgrounds so were quite used to the countryside but for a lot of people that grow up in cities camping and having sheep and cattle outside your windows

is a novelty. We thought this is a cool experience so why not recreate it here?

There are cattle right up to the gate and all little lambs run around in spring. It’s such a magic experience up there,” Liv says.

It was while Liv was first on maternity leave that the couple considered the idea of offering luxury glamping at the farm. The perfect spot was the hill where Andy proposed to Liv and in March 2021 work stated on excavating the road which would lead to “the tent.” The family all helped construct the tent and the first guests experienced glamping at Tirohanga, Patangata Valley this February.

To describe the finished product as a tent is rather an understatement and while this is a large structure with canvas walls there’s a lot more to it than that. Firstly, the site is totally secluded and Liv describes it as “a sanctuary hidden amongst the poplar trees. There are no other houses or infrastructure to be seen.”

Inside the tent is a king size bed and living area, a kitchen and an ensuite.

Beautiful native timber milled from the farm features in the floors, kitchen and bedroom. The tent is fully fenced and powered by solar electricity which was installed by Andy’s brother Hamish, a solar engineer. There are USB points for charging phones and speakers.

Cell phone coverage is available although Liv suggests guests totally disconnect themselves from

the outside world. For the cooler months the couple have just installed a wood fire which will add to the wonderful ambience.

At the front is an expansive deck complete with outdoor bath, lounge chairs and a bit further away an outdoor fire. There can be few more romantic or magical experiences than taking a hot bath, sipping on glass of wine while watching the sun go down.

“It’s such a cool house site and lookout spot.”

Waipawa is just a 12 minute drive away for those needing to grab a coffee or wanting to go grocery shopping and Waipukurau is a little further on. Nearby is the Patangata Tavern which serves country style food for those seeking a break from cooking.

The Tukituki River is only 2.5km away and is ideal for fly fishing and a freshwater swim on a hot day.

Havelock North is about a

30 minute drive and then there are several beaches to visit such as Pourerere Beach about 25 mins away. Shoal Bay, Kairakau, Mangakuri and Blackhead Beach are all within easy driving distance.

Since opening earlier this year Liv and Andy have received guests from all over New Zealand. “It’s gone gangbusters to be honest. We’re fully booked every weekend until May,

Liv says. “It’s quite a unique, special and relaxing experience and the stars always look much brighter from that spot too.”

To read more and to book go to www. canopycamping.co.nz/ patangata-valley Instagram: @patangata_ valley_glamping Or Facebook: Patangata Valley Glamping

From the elevated situation guests can also see much of the day to day activity on the farm be it Andy moving the stock, gambolling lambs in the spring time or inquisitive stock looking over the fence at their new neighbours. Otherwise guests can relax on the deck and read a good book or venture out beyond the farm.

Patangata Valley is selfcatering although breakfast, including fresh eggs from the farm is included so are marshmallows to toast on the fire. All utensils, cutlery, crockery are provided.

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INTERIOR TRENDS 2022

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he last two years have been challenging for us all and yet one benefit of being isolated from family and friends is that attention has turned to tending our homes, gardens and lifestyles.

to experiment and be bolder in their approach to decorating and furnishing their home. Now people are looking for comfort and opportunities to relax at home during the cooler months.

Since lockdown attitudes have changed as people spent so much time staring at four walls and a ceiling that they decided

Sustainability is very much at the forefront of our minds and as the world grapples with the issue of climate change we’re

seeing furniture and furnishing trends taking on board the need to reduce the rate at which we deplete resources.

Sustainability might mean buying wool carpet instead of synthetic, incorporating old with new or re-using and recycling materials.

Natural colours, such as green and blue, are in vogue along with natural materials such as timber, stone, rattan and wicker. Texture is back too in cushions, rugs and wallpaper with earthy colours such as terracotta and sand trending.

revival along with the use of lig ght coloured timber.

Dining suites with benches, rather than chairs, are also popular.

Houseplants are still extremely popular as we seek to bring g the outside in and create a sense of calm and relaxation. Hand in hand with plants comes the trend d off lettiing in more e

natural light which could be achieved byy using g blinds or shutters instead of curtains.

While not a new concept adding a mirror to a wa all can giive th he illusiion off more light and space.

Small chang ges can makke a huge impact on the loo ok

Living room furniture such as modular sofas are still popular and are offered mainly in a range of grey and blues. In contrast velvet is making a comeback as a textile for sofas and suites. Popular right now are turquoise, pink and green. Another trend is to display one chair as a statement piece and the bolder the better- think orange, yellow or bold botanical prints. Ottomans are still on trend as they are comfy and can be used as storage. Leather suites are also making a comeback.

Circular dining tables, which are good for when space is tight, are seeing a

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and ambience of a room and adding g a statement rug could delineate e space, create a focal pointt for a room and add a tou uch of warmth h as th he weatther get cooler.

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NATURAL OR SYNTHETIC?

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hat a difference a few years makes when it comes to fashions in furnishing, decorating and flooring.

Last year saw pure New Zealand wool making a comeback as a sustainable flooring solution, along with a swing to more natural flooring such as sisal, seagrass, coir and jute.

Carpet manufacturer Cavalier Bremworth is now 100% committed to wool carpet and Big Save Furniture is paying farmers a fair price for their wool.

The company also invested in four sheep and beef farms in the Ākitio, Hawkes Bay and Tararua regions.

Floor coverings on offer include polyester, solution dyed nylon, Triexta and wool. All have advantages and disadvantages and it’s suggested you think about factors such as foot traffic, sun, pets and allergies before making a decision.

Stain resistance and ability to clean will also factor in your final choice, along with your budget.

Wool does have a number of excellent benefits as it’s hard wearing, resilient, hypoallergenic, stain and fire resistant. It’s 100% biodegradable and sustainable and helps regulate temperature and humidity. It’s also naturally resistant to dirt and household stains- although this resistance does wear off after time.

Synthetic carpets such as solution dyed nylon are also practical, hardwearing and easy to clean. Solution dyed nylon mimics the feel of wool. In Hawke’s

Bay we have fierce sun, pets, kids and plenty of indoor/outdoor living so householders need floor coverings that will survive all that, and not stain or fade.

how much traffic will it get, is it for a bedroom, living room? Trending now are various shades of greys and charcoal.

take your time and chat to

Purchasing floor covering is a large investment so

clarify the expenditure.

retailers to firm up on your ideas, decide between wool or synthetic carpet, and

Currently synthetic carpets represent 85% of the market with wool capturing the remaining 15%.

It’s recommend that you have some sort of window protection if any wool carpet is going to be exposed to sunlight as most carpets will fade when exposed to sun.

Don’t forget to allow for carpet underlay in your budget. Just like carpet there is a good selection at various thicknesses and density.

A quality underlay can make all the difference to the overall feel and longevity of your carpet and provide extra insulation. The firmer the underlay the better the carpet will wear.

Colour is an important factor to think about when selecting carpet. Light colours will make an area feel lighter and brighter whereas darker colours will make a space feel cosy and smaller. Try and match the colour to suit your lifestylekids, pets, older couple…

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BACK YARD SHE SHEDS

Now it’s well and truly the time for the woman of the house to want to create a feminine space in which to escape. With families being cooped up the last couple of years has led many to turn to thoughts of home renovation.

The She Shed concept is just an extension of wanting to ring the changes and have a private escape to the back yard.

yoga studio- there is no end of uses for a she shed.

Kit set sheds and cabins are widely available in New Zealand and they are surprisingly reasonably priced. Check council regulations before committing to purchase- not all sheds need consent. Then there are plenty of readymade sheds available.

Your shed can be as plain or as fancy as you desire. Your shed will need a roof, walls and probably a door but insulation would be optional and the style and size of windows and the door could vary. Your shed will need a solid foundation built by people who know what they’re doing.

The good thing about a She Shed is that it’s likely to be cheaper than an overseas family holiday. They can be ridiculously simple from say, a de-cluttered garden shed to a custom built shed or cabin.

The space could be used as a place to relax with a lounge and some books, possibly curtains to add a touch of cosiness. Other uses could be an art studio, an office, a sewing or crafts room.

Then it could be a writing den or a

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You might also need power installing if aiming for comfort and then give some thought to interior decoration. Your shed might need painting if it’s not natural timber so there’s an opportunity for it to blend into the surroundings or make a statement.

The use to which the shed will be put will dictate the style of the interior. A yoga studio would call for simplicity and space while a day room might call for a sofa, comfy chair and a day bed. Whatever the purpose your personal shed should reflect who you are and what you like.

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e’ve all heard about man caves.

They’re a place for blokes to escape, to chill, perhaps have a few beers and a yarn in what is generally an exclusive male only event. The cave might be a garage, a garden shed or even a rumpus room. It’s generally left to the blokes to decorate (in the loosest possible interpretation) the space as they feel like.

Results That Move You Billy Hickey

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WHAT DOES YOUR WALLPAPER SAY ABOUT YOU?

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hether you’re picking new Resene wallpaper or already have it as part of your design scheme at home, here’s a fun look at what your choice might say about you!

When it comes to interior design, there are simply no wrong choices.

So long as you love the space you live in, you can completely redecorate in a style that best suits your personality. Between paints, wallpapers and curtain fabrics, there’s no end to the ways in which you can put your personality on show within your living spaces.

If you’ve already got your dream wallpaper throughout your home, here’s a light-hearted and fun look at what it says about you!

Florals

Florals have made one of the biggest comebacks in interior design history. It wasn’t so long ago that floral wallpapers were associated with antique homes and outdated trends, but fresh designs, new colour schemes and a greater appreciation of the joy they bring has brought florals back with a vengeance.

If you’ve already jumped on this trend and introduced floral

wallpaper designs into your home, you’re likely to be stylish, romantic, and whimsical. You appreciate the beauty in nature and love spending time outdoors, and there will often be a fresh bouquet of flowers in your home (whether they’ve been bought or simply plucked while out on a walk).

Your interior design tastes are often slightly left-of-field, but always loved and admired by visitors. In fact, you may even inspire a friend or two to try floral wallpaper in their own home!

Floral wallpapers are fun and interesting, and those who choose them are often nature-lovers who love to get outdoors!

Textured wallpapers

When some people think of wallpapers, they might think of patterns, colours and designs - but for you, it’s all about the texture.

In terms of personality, you’re the kind of person to pay attention to detail, whether that’s in finishing a report at work or finding the perfect gift for a loved one. You don’t follow trends so much as go by the beat of your own drum. Plus, you’re the type of person who always notices the little things in life.

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Team

Connie

Your dedicated real estate team

Top 1% internationally Ray White - Chairman's Elite Rates Connie #1 Havelock North & Hawke's Bay for the second year running. Rates all agents across all companies in New Zealand.

M 027 688 1608 P 06 877 1608 W conniecawood.com Leaders Hawke’s Bay Limited Licensed REA (2008)

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If you’ve got textured wallpaper in your home, you’re all about the classic styles with a slight twist. You like to keep things timeless but different enough to avoid being plain.

Patterns

Patterned wallpaper offers the classic look that only prints can bring. There is an endless number of patterns on offer, from subtle and sleek through to bright, bold styles that become the centrepiece in any room.

Anyone with a pattern style in their home is often the life of the party. They’re outgoing and fun-loving, and aren’t afraid to take a few measured risks. If it’s a more subtle pattern you’ve got at home, you may be more on the reserved side, whereas those with an eye-catching design aren’t afraid to be the centre of attention.

As for your interior style, you’ve created the kind of space friends and family love to visit. It’s interesting and engaging, all thanks to a serious sense of style and the ability to turn that into a welcoming atmosphere. Plus, your interiors are often different, as you love to mix and match your furnishings, try new trends and clear out old belongings when they no longer suit.

Do you have a bold patterned wallpaper at home? You’re probably a little more outgoing than the norm!

Are you still looking for the right wallpaper for you and your home? See the wallpaper library at your local Resene ColorShop and browse the huge range of styles, colours and textures on offer. Or combine your favourite Resene colour with paintable textured wallpaper to add an extra dimension to your paint finish.

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CARL & CARON WEZEL 027 433 7590 or 027 284 5906 caron.wezel@raywhite.com teamcarlcaron.co.nz rwhawkesbay.co.nz Leaders Hawke’s Bay Limited Licensed (REAA 2008)

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BENCHTOPS – SPOILT FOR CHOICE

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lanning a new kitchen is an involved process with many factors to be considered whether doing it yourself or engaging a specialist benchtop or kitchen renovator. Even selecting a benchtop, which can often dress a kitchen without the need to totally renovate, needs some careful thought.

whether you enjoy cooking, have children and even how concerned you are about cleanliness can affect your decision.

Take time to research and physically look and feel benchtops and discuss the advantages and disadvantages with retailers. For example, durability, stain resistance First and foremost you need and scratch resistance to consider your budget should be considered. and what the maximum Another factor, of course, is you’re prepared to is the colour as you’ll likely pay. Lifestyle is another plan the rest of the kitchen important factor and to match.

Laminates are reasonably affordable. They are manmade layers of paper over chipboard, ply or MDF. Brands include Laminex, Formica and Wilsonart. A variety of finishes such as velour and low sheen are available.

Stone benchtops have been popular for years, particularly natural stone, but there are several alternatives to consider as granite, marble and quartz are porous, whereas engineered or composite stone is a manmade

product using crushed quartz with a resin added.

These man-made products are non-porous and antibacterial, stain, scratch and impact resistant.

Granite tops have to be treated with care, even though they are durable, but manufacturers recommend no placing hot pans, nor chopping directly on the benchtop.

Spills must be wiped immediately and some will stain if products like oil and margarine are left on them

too long. Marble is prone to scratching and must be kept scrupulously clean.

Polished concrete is another option, especially for those seeking the industrial look.

You could choose your design, colour, edging etc but beware that while durable they will, over time, be vulnerable to stains and will need to be sealed from time to time.

Other choices include stainless steel which looks

good when new but is prone to scratching.

They tend to be used in commercial kitchens rather than domestic situations as they are hygienic, heat and stain resistant.

Timber is an attractive choice and recently bamboo has become an option. Naturally the surface needs to be protected and hot pans can damage the surface. The timber will also need to be re-sealed from time to time.

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Linda Watson

More than just an agent!

Your House Presentation is Worth Money!

Linda knows that achieving a premium price for an owner starts with presentation. Trained in consumer psychology, Linda calls the emotion created by a property’s presentation, “the consumer illusion”.

“My clients typically have well-presented properties, but what they don’t have, is a property market-ready for a specific group of buyers. To be succinct, in collaboration with the owner, I take a little bit of the owner out of the property and replace it with a chosen style to attract the targeted buyer audience. Once I’ve identified this buyer audience, I create a narrative, and then with the owner, together we go about bringing the narrative to life.

This might include painting walls, fences, decks, removing furniture, repositioning furniture, hiring plants, and engaging a stylist to complement the owner’s furniture. 45 Kuku Street in Te Awanga (as shown) is a great example of a property ‘brought to life’ to attract a specific buyer audience. It might sound like a lot of work, but it’s well worth it when it’s realised back on the sale price. In this market, you need to throw everything at your sale, so presenting your property to attract a particular audience is essential!”

Before

After

When you list with Linda you get more than just an agent, you receive this advice free of charge. So call Linda today for your free consultation.

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Before

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START IN STYLE A review of the all new Kia Sportage LX • By Andrew Sluys

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ew Zealand buyers seem to be infatuated with EVs and utes right now, but the mid-sized SUV segment is still by far the most competitive. You’ve got the likes of the Mazda CX5 and Toyota RAV4, but undercutting both these staples is Kia’s all-new Sportage.

Kia NZ offers eight models dels in the Sportage range, starting with the sharplyy priced $34,990 LX, and running through to the AWD, dieselpowered X-Line for $61,990. ,990. With its sleek headlight and tail-light design, you could be forgiven orgiven for mistaking it for a more ore upmarket European number.

be able to squeeze in 543 litres of luggage with the rear seats up.

The Sportage LX boasts a 2.0-litre petrol engine, which drives the front wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission. Higher-spec models get turbocharged 1.6-litre petrol or 2.0-litre

But the LX keeps things very simple inside. It gets an old-fashioned turn-key ignition and a basic eightinch touchscreen infotainment system with volume and tuning dials. It has Apple CarPlay, but only in wireless form. Android Auto is available either wirelessly or via a cable. e.

The four-inch digital instrument cluster is quite ite a basic unit, but still shows ows all a driver would need to know. As for the rest of the interior, or, it gets hard plastics, piano black trimmings, mmings, and cloth upholstery. The space iss generous and you’ll

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turbo diesel engines, both with fuel economy figures that better the LX’s 8.1l/100km. This engine makes 115kW/192Nm, which is more than enough for a car of this type, but you won’t be setting any speed records. On the road, the Sportage is comfortable, not overly zippy, but exactly what you’d want from a family-friendly SUV. The ride is forgiving, and the automatic transmission is as smooth as they come. I am a fan of how unobtrusive the active safety systems are, and the adaptive cruise control is a joy to use on the motorway commute.

The adaptive cruise control with a cru stop and-go function is standard f across the range, which is impressive impressiv in itself. Lane keep assist, forward a collision avoidance, and collis blind blin spot collision avoidance also av come as standard. c This Sportage T is an incredibly impressive package for its price point.

It’s comfortable, practical, and best of o all, great value.

If you’re looking into in the mid-sized SUV category, you’ll probably be across the prob Toyota RAV4, Subaru Forester, Foreste and Mazda CX-5. All three of these t Japanese SUVs SU start at a higher price point (the RAV4 being the cheapest at $38,290). $38,29 If we’re talking entry-level models I would lean towards the Kia, thanks to its radical new look and impressive slew of as-standard tech. tec

Features include: • 2.0L CRDI Diesel Engine • 8-speed Automatic • 17” Alloys with Full Size Alloy Spare • Electronic Park Brake • Forward Collision Avoidance Assist • Blind Spot Collision Avoidance Assist • Lane Keep Assist & Lane Follow Assist • Rear Seat Occupant Alert • Multi-Collision Braking • Trailer Stability Assist • Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go • Front & Rear Parking Sensors • Safe Exit Assist • LED Front Headlights & Daytime Running Lights • 8” Colour Touchscreen Infotainment + Basic Digital Driver Cluster • Wireless Apple CarPlayTM & Android AutoTM

A home built around you

We design and build one-off architectural homes that aren’t based on existing plans, templates, or catalogues; instead, we work with you to create a unique home designed and built just for you, inspired by you.

The homes we create are all different, but they start the same way: with a blank sheet of paper and a client who wants a great original home.

You might think that a home designed and built the way you want is out of your reach, but with Design Builders, you can afford to think differently. Our process is built around you, including your budget.

We’re excited about welcoming you to our next showhome. It opens later this year, and soon we’ll be letting you know all the details, so you can be one of the first to experience it.

For a free, no-obligation chat call Tara at Design Builders Hawkes Bay today on 021 310 459 or email tara.todd@designbuilders.co.nz

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