Owned by New Zealand businessman Mark Palmer, the 4,000-acre Annandale estate farm, a leisurely hour’s drive south from Christchurch, ticks all our boxes for an old-fashioned yet luxurious getaway. Its location on the Banks Peninsula – a spectacular rocky headland facing the Pacific Ocean – is a picturesque palette of muscular ridges, private coves, and grassy hills grazed by the resident sheep and cattle. The master plan by architect Andrew Patterson comprises five spacious villas. Of these, the newly opened Scrubby Bay is, design-wise, probably the one that cleaves closest to the ideal of the New Zealander bach, and it’s all the more unforgettable for it. Comfortably accommodating 14 guests, the secluded cedar-clad villa stretches out along the beach and features three sea-fronted suites, a deck warmed by an open fire pit, and an outdoor spa. Arrival at this sea-flecked retreat is either by helicopter or a panoramic drive along cliff-top tracks. Roughing it has never been this comfortable.
ADDRESS
Annandale
P.O. Box 80019
Pigeon Bay
RD3 Akaroa 7550
New Zealand
-
Sound and vision are combined in this Dyson x Porter bag and wireless headphone comboDyson’s first limited edition collaboration with cult Japanese bag brand Porter brings together the OnTrac headphones with a stylish shoulder bag
-
RIBA reveals more three shortlisted structures for 2025’s House of the Year awardThree more houses join the shortlist for the UK’s highest domestic architectural accolade. We explore the Triangle House, Amento and Jankes Barn
-
JLR is a mainstay of modern motoring luxury, but do car brands need creative figureheads?With Gerry McGovern departing from Jaguar Land Rover, what next for the Indian-owned, British-built house of brands?
-
Be at one with nature at this bucolic luxury lodge in New ZealandFollowing a year-long renovation, the storied Huka Lodge in Taupō reopens its doors with a fresher, more contemporary edge, still attuned to its surroundings
-
Waiheke Island is a must-visit for oenophiles and aesthetes alikeDiscover what to do during this New Zealand destination's annual Walking Festival and beyond
-
The Black Diamond is a hidden culinary gem in Aotearoa New ZealandReached after a guided horse trek, The Black Diamond awaits with an off-the-beaten-track culinary experience
-
Villa One at the One & Only Palmilla — Los Cabos, Mexico -
Martim — Wroclaw, Poland -
Tattersalls Hotel — Armidale, Australia -
KLoé Hotel — Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia -
Casa Hoyos — San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
