My Home

Nicola Hodgson reminisces of fond memories created over the years at her family’s wee slice of paradise in Little Nikau Bay.

KAREN RANKIN

Where is your home, who lives there, how long have you lived there?

Forty nine years ago we purchased an old farmhouse beside a stream nestled into the corner of Little Nikau Bay in the Pelorus Sounds, 17 km by boat from Havelock. The old house has not been permanently occupied since our ownership, but we have been there at every possible opportunity over the years. In the summer months we would spend more time at the bay than at home. Our sons Charles and James spent most of their holiday times and long weekends down there, and most often their friends came too.

What four words would you use to describe your home?

Rustic, Relaxing, Homely, Functional.

What inspired the look?

It is primarily a holiday place, so the need to be comfortable and to invite relaxation is key. The look is casual, practical and a bit rustic, with touches that relate to its history.

What do you love about the neighbourhood?

The remoteness. The native bush and abundance of Nikaus. The silence, the sounds of the sea. The calls and visits of the weka. The skinks and the birds. The bay offers so many options, walks to the Rocky Outcrop at the top of the property, where if your timing is right you can look across to the East and see the interisland - ferry on its journey to or from Picton in Queen Charlotte Sound. The fishing, the diving, sailing, swimming, hunting, rowing, kayaking, the choices are endless. Relaxation with a good book is not to be underrated either.

What piece could you never part with?

Hard to answer this when we are in the process of selling the property after 49 years. It will be the memories we take with us that we won’t be parting with. These will be constant reminders of the happy times we as a family have had over the years. Photographs and paintings of the bay will stay with us, including three paintings painted for us by artist Geoffrey Heath, who lived near us in the sounds for 16 years from 1989. I will miss the night sky which is spectacular, and completely unspoiled by light contamination in the bay.

What’s your favourite spot in the house?

It has to be the living room/deck. The ever changing views make it compelling.

Where do you shop for homewares?

Much of the interior of the old house was furnished with repurposed items from our home in town. The newer cottage is a mix of old and new, and over the years has become home to many collected bits and pieces from the beach. From quirky pieces of driftwood turned in to a small side table, to the collection of stones and sea worn pieces of coloured glass, collected by various family members over the years. Unusual pieces of driftwood seem to find a place on a shelf.

What’s your decorating style?

Casual, eclectic and random, with a nod to its history. The original cow bell and strap, which was used for Dick and Dickie’s house cow. The corrugated iron art work, bought to relate to the sheep that roamed from Nikau Bay and keep our Little Nikau lawns nicely nibbled.

When it comes to homeware, do you save or splurge?

If it’s the right thing, then perhaps splurge. Everything that goes in to the bay has a road trip followed by a boat trip. So we need things that are reliable, robust, functional and will last.

Have you done any renovations?

Originally the old house kitchen was situated behind the two bedrooms. The sink bench faced seaward, but had a solid wall of cupboards as its view! After a number of years, in 1980 we repositioned the kitchen in to the existing living room, and incorporated a small covered veranda in to the living room to create a space for dining. At the same time we installed a new deck along the front. It was a huge success and vastly improved the flow of the living spaces.

What’s your favourite room?

My favourite room is the one full of family, usually this happens to be the living and deck spaces

What should every home have?

Comfortable spaces, and family to fill them.

Best money spent?

Building a two bedroom, bathroom and kitchenette sleep-out near the cottage, which enabled us to accommodate all the family comfortably and friends enjoyed their stays in the new facilities too.

Best seat in the house?

Again, the deck. But not to forget the end of the jetty, fishing rod in hand.

Do you have any tips on how to keep your living area orderly?

Having a large covered back porch is essential in the sounds. Lots of hooks and a gumboot rack will keep hats jackets and boots out of the living room area. The rustic stone outdoor hand basin is a must, so useful for washing fish knives and fishy hands before coming inside. Keeping the living area orderly can be challenging, but I see it as happy chaos, it’s just part of the deal in the sounds.

Best memory of your house?

It’s hard to pick one, there have been so many over the 49 years. The celebration of the 100 year anniversary of the old house in 2004. We devoted the day to celebrating, starting with a visit from the Nikau neighbours all dressed in 1904 clothes, and presenting a Māori challenge/welcome. It was a perfect day and with other friends and family from Paradise Bay joining us later, we ended up having a candle lit dinner on the deck remembering the early times and celebrating the times we were enjoying in more recent years.

If you could see yourself at home here, contact Lorraine and Martyn at Harcourts on 03 578 0888 to make an appointment for a private viewing or check out: marlborough.harcourts.co.nz/Property/966019/BL9809/0-Little-Nikau-Bay