A gable-roofed dream home built on the shores of Northland’s Paewhenua Island

With the shimmering crescent of Doubtless Bay at the fore and rows of grape-laden vines at the rear, this cedar-clad home nestled at the tip of Paewhenua Island stands proud on its slice of prime real estate.

Returning from the UK to retire in the subtropical climate of the far north, the owners instantly fell in love with the island site. As Paewhenua’s development rules require each home to complement the natural environment, the couple sought out the experienced local team Shane Yardley and Celina Yardley of PRObuild Mangōnui, who had recently completed another property on the island.

The home oozes a casual elegance, juxtaposing the simple form of a gable-roofed boat shed with the sleek features of luxury New Zealand builds. To harmonise with the colours of native bush fringing the property, the owners selected naturally stained western red cedar and grey Axon panels to clad the home.

From above, the building imitates an asymmetrical H, allowing for unobstructed views of the bay from almost every room. The bedrooms are situated in each stem of the H, at opposite ends of the home, with the living, dining, and kitchen area taking up the horizontal bar.

“The client had a clear vision of what they wanted from the get-go,” says Celina Yardley, co-owner of PRObuild Mangōnui. “With the exposed macrocarpa trusses, Crittall windows and door, it has a really warm, homey, stylish feel.”

After preparing a meal in the kitchen, it’s only a short walk to a set of glass sliding doors that open onto a covered deck. For those who choose to venture down the short flight of steps off the deck, a glittering turquoise pool awaits.

As the project commenced in early 2020, the team had to build through the first Covid lockdown, which meant site access was restricted to one or two people at a time.

“Because it’s quite a big house, we were able to separate areas so there could be an electrician down one end while we’re at the other end, and you wouldn’t cross paths,” says Celina.

And, while many projects dealt with supply chain delays, the Yardleys say they were fortunate enough to avoid any issues in that regard.

“Apart from needing to stop the build when we weren’t allowed to work, everything carried on quite smoothly.”

Only a short walk to Dancing Petrel vineyard’s cellar door, and the local boat ramp, jetty, and pontoon, life at this Paewhenua Island home is undoubtedly the stuff of dreams.

“The house took shape exactly as we designed it,” the owner told the New Zealand Certified Builders’ Revere magazine. “It is finished to a gorgeous high standard. It feels like a welcoming home, as though we have lived in it forever.”

Learn more about PRObuild Mangōnui.