Raupo Bay | A Private Off-Grid Coastal Sanctuary

Tucked into the Eastern Bays of Banks Peninsula, this off-grid bach is shaped by restraint, sustainability, and a deep respect for land and sea. Its design preserves the original footprint, allowing the surrounding farm and ocean landscape to remain the defining presence. Though just 1.5 hours from Christchurch, Raupo Bay feels distinctly removed, offering an oceanfront setting where time slows and attention returns to the essentials.

Inside, the home is grounded in its origins. Macrocarpa timber milled on the farm has been crafted into bespoke tables and built-in furnishings, while the farm’s own wool insulates the structure, lending a natural sense of warmth and quiet. Reimagined elements such as aged beams, hanging buoys, reclaimed stone, and pavers add texture and continuity, anchoring the bach in its history while maintaining a clean, contemporary calm. The open-plan kitchen and sunken lounge are oriented toward expansive views across rolling farmland to the ocean beyond, shaping days that begin slowly and settle just as easily.

The oceanfront bedroom is intentionally singular in focus. A Dream Wool bed, refined ensuite, and generous window nook create a private space for rest, reading, or simply watching light move across the bay. Finishes throughout the home are considered rather than ornamental, with quality linens and thoughtful details reinforcing a sense of ease rather than excess.

Outdoor living defines daily rhythm. Expansive decks offer multiple places to dine, lounge, and pause in the coastal air, shaded by a large cantilever umbrella. A bespoke wood-fired sauna sits just steps from the sea, paired with an outdoor composite stone bath and shower that turn simple routines into restorative rituals. Meals move easily between the Heston Blumenthal barbecue and the indoor dining space, supporting long, unhurried gatherings.

Completely off-grid and powered by solar energy, the bach provides what matters most. Warmth from a wood-fuelled fire, espresso in the morning, music through Sonos, and reliable Wi-Fi via Starlink for those who choose to stay connected. The pantry is stocked with essential provisions, herbs, and condiments so arrival feels effortless. Access follows the tides and is best suited to a 4WD, a practical rhythm that reinforces the sense of place. Assistance or helicopter transfer can be arranged with advance planning. This is a home for those seeking quiet luxury shaped by intention, craftsmanship, and a genuine retreat from the pace of everyday life.