Tucked just beyond Auckland’s urban edge, in the rolling green landscapes of Coatesville, this modern farmhouse unfolds on a lush, tree-lined site rich with native bush and natural serenity. It’s here that a young couple have chosen to bring their vision for their first home to life—an award-winning architectural retreat that balances timeless rural charm with crisp, contemporary design.
Working alongside the clients from the earliest stages, Nala Studio Architects was engaged to craft a home that would feel grounded in its rural setting while celebrating the openness and lightness of modern living. The brief was clear: create a warm, welcoming home that captures the essence of a traditional farmhouse, reimagined for today, and carefully positioned to embrace the beauty of its forest surrounds.
The resulting design is a refined blend of past and present. A sweeping open-plan layout forms the heart of the home, anchored by a lofty pitched ceiling and exposed timber rafters—a nod to classic country architecture. Textural timber battens add height, rhythm and warmth, while the sharply defined, folded metal roof introduces a crisp architectural silhouette that brings a modern edge to the form.
From the moment you arrive, the experience is intentional. A peaceful, landscaped courtyard leads to a wide picture window that offers a first glimpse into the surrounding bush. This framed view draws you inward, guiding you through a cosy entrance nook with built-in bench seating and into the light-filled core of the home. Here, kitchen, dining, and living areas seamlessly connect, subtly defined by vertical timber fins that provide gentle separation without interrupting flow or light.
Indoor living flows effortlessly outdoors, where a generous north-west facing deck becomes an everyday escape—perfect for entertaining or relaxing, surrounded by birdsong and bush views.
Spanning approximately 280 square metres, the home comprises four spacious bedrooms, a dedicated home office, two and a half bathrooms, and a double garage. The master suite, thoughtfully positioned for privacy and tranquillity, offers a walk-in wardrobe, ensuite, and morning sunlight that spills through generous glazing—transforming daily rituals into moments of calm reflection.
This home is more than a residence; it’s a sensory experience—where every detail supports a lifestyle of comfort, connection, and quiet luxury. It’s a deeply personal retreat that speaks to the land, to tradition, and to the couple’s contemporary way of living.
With Nala Studio Architects leading the design, and our trusted construction partners Neo Build delivering with precision and craftsmanship, the project was recognised with top industry honours:
🏆 Gold Award — Master Builders House of the Year 2024
🏆 Regional Category Winner — Auckland, Northland & Coromandel 2024
A heartfelt collaboration, and a home that tells a story of place, purpose, and potential.