17/06/2026
North Tree, Bluff Hill
North Tree was conceived as a boutique accommodation designed to thrive beyond the summer season. The brief was to transform an existing property into a destination that felt equally compelling in the depths of winter as it did on a sun-drenched Hawkes Bay summer day.
Colour became the project’s defining design tool. Drawing inspiration from the surrounding landscape, the palette layers deep olive greens, rich browns, warm neutrals, yellow and pink tones to create a sense of warmth, intimacy and retreat. Rather than competing with the spectacular views, the colours frame and enhance them, creating an interior that feels deeply connected to this place.
The checkerboard floor, meticulously measured, traced and hand-painted by the talented team at CC & Co, became the heart of the renovation. Repeated throughout key spaces, the floor introduces rhythm, personality and a memorable visual identity that immediately sets North Tree apart.
The use of colour extends beyond individual surfaces. Walls, ceilings, joinery and architectural details have been thoughtfully considered to create immersive, mood-rich spaces that encourage guests to slow down and settle in. Sunlight moves across the darker tones throughout the day, revealing depth and texture, while layered textiles and natural materials soften and balance the palette.
The result exceeded the original brief. What began as a thoughtfully designed Airbnb has become something even more meaningful: a home. Having fallen completely in love with the property and the lifestyle it offers, the owner has since made North Tree her full-time residence. It is perhaps the strongest testament to the success of the project, a home so inviting, restorative and deeply personal that its owner could no longer imagine leaving it behind.
