A private world of timeless beauty
Deadline sale (unless sold prior)
1pm, Thu 5 Nov 2026
There are homes that offer comfort, and then there are homes that transport you somewhere entirely different. This extraordinary riverside retreat belongs firmly in the latter category.
Rarely does a home offer such an extraordinary sense of escape. Framed by the river and embraced by magnificent gardens, this exceptional retreat combines the timeless romance of Provence with the natural beauty of its New Zealand setting. Private, evocative and utterly distinctive, it is a place that feels worlds away from the everyday.
Set within 1.2 hectares of enchanting gardens and woodland, its peaceful, river-framed setting feels wonderfully removed from the everyday, yet the city remains within easy reach. Native timbers, wrought iron, soaring proportions and time-worn textures combine to create an atmosphere that is both grand and deeply inviting, while the pool and extensive grounds invite a life lived as much outdoors as in.
Designed by architect Kerry Mason in 1993, the home was conceived as a private sanctuary, drawing on the enduring elegance of Provence while remaining unmistakably connected to its New Zealand landscape. The result is a property with genuine individuality - not a reproduction of a French country estate, but a highly personal interpretation shaped by its setting, materials and craftsmanship.
Inside, the architecture reveals itself in layers. Soaring timber beams and dramatic spiral staircases lend a sense of theatre, while sun-filled terraces, intimate corners and cosy retreats create spaces that feel equally suited to grand entertaining or quiet escape. At its heart, the expansive country-style kitchen is a destination in itself, with the warmth and romance of a French farmhouse kitchen brought to life on an impressive scale.
Accommodation is equally generous, with beautifully appointed bedrooms and bathrooms providing space for family and guests to retreat in comfort. Adding an entirely different dimension is the self-contained guest wing - an exceptional asset for extended family, visiting friends, private accommodation or the possibility of supplementary income.
For those who find joy in the land, the grounds are every bit as compelling as the house. Across 1.2 hectares, mature gardens unfold into fruit trees, productive potager gardens and tranquil pockets of woodland, creating a private world to explore, cultivate and simply enjoy. It is a landscape that changes with the seasons and gives the property a sense of abundance rarely found so close to the city.
And yet, this secluded sanctuary is wonderfully connected. The cafes, galleries and village atmosphere of Little River are close at hand, while a short journey over the hill brings you to the unmistakable French character of Akaroa - a fitting complement to a home so inspired by the romance of Provence.
Unique in spirit, exceptional in setting and rich in architectural character, this is far more than a country residence.
Beautifully secluded yet wonderfully connected, this is a property that offers something increasingly rare: privacy, provenance, scale and romance in equal measure.
A home to entertain in, a garden to lose yourself in, a sanctuary to return to - and, above all, a place that feels unlike anywhere else.
To download the information pack for this property, please copy the below link into your web browser: http://www.propertyfiles.co.nz/property/5531756
1pm, Thu 5 Nov 2026
There are homes that offer comfort, and then there are homes that transport you somewhere entirely different. This extraordinary riverside retreat belongs firmly in the latter category.
Rarely does a home offer such an extraordinary sense of escape. Framed by the river and embraced by magnificent gardens, this exceptional retreat combines the timeless romance of Provence with the natural beauty of its New Zealand setting. Private, evocative and utterly distinctive, it is a place that feels worlds away from the everyday.
Set within 1.2 hectares of enchanting gardens and woodland, its peaceful, river-framed setting feels wonderfully removed from the everyday, yet the city remains within easy reach. Native timbers, wrought iron, soaring proportions and time-worn textures combine to create an atmosphere that is both grand and deeply inviting, while the pool and extensive grounds invite a life lived as much outdoors as in.
Designed by architect Kerry Mason in 1993, the home was conceived as a private sanctuary, drawing on the enduring elegance of Provence while remaining unmistakably connected to its New Zealand landscape. The result is a property with genuine individuality - not a reproduction of a French country estate, but a highly personal interpretation shaped by its setting, materials and craftsmanship.
Inside, the architecture reveals itself in layers. Soaring timber beams and dramatic spiral staircases lend a sense of theatre, while sun-filled terraces, intimate corners and cosy retreats create spaces that feel equally suited to grand entertaining or quiet escape. At its heart, the expansive country-style kitchen is a destination in itself, with the warmth and romance of a French farmhouse kitchen brought to life on an impressive scale.
Accommodation is equally generous, with beautifully appointed bedrooms and bathrooms providing space for family and guests to retreat in comfort. Adding an entirely different dimension is the self-contained guest wing - an exceptional asset for extended family, visiting friends, private accommodation or the possibility of supplementary income.
For those who find joy in the land, the grounds are every bit as compelling as the house. Across 1.2 hectares, mature gardens unfold into fruit trees, productive potager gardens and tranquil pockets of woodland, creating a private world to explore, cultivate and simply enjoy. It is a landscape that changes with the seasons and gives the property a sense of abundance rarely found so close to the city.
And yet, this secluded sanctuary is wonderfully connected. The cafes, galleries and village atmosphere of Little River are close at hand, while a short journey over the hill brings you to the unmistakable French character of Akaroa - a fitting complement to a home so inspired by the romance of Provence.
Unique in spirit, exceptional in setting and rich in architectural character, this is far more than a country residence.
Beautifully secluded yet wonderfully connected, this is a property that offers something increasingly rare: privacy, provenance, scale and romance in equal measure.
A home to entertain in, a garden to lose yourself in, a sanctuary to return to - and, above all, a place that feels unlike anywhere else.
To download the information pack for this property, please copy the below link into your web browser: http://www.propertyfiles.co.nz/property/5531756
Key features
Architectural
Designed by Kerry Mason in 1993, this Provençal-inspired home blends soaring native timbers, wrought iron and dramatic architectural details
Garden
A remarkable 1.2-hectare landscape envelopes the home, with mature gardens, fruit trees, potager gardens and woodland. Beautifully established and rich with seasonal charm
Lifestyle
A pool, sun-filled patios, generous entertaining spaces and a spectacular country kitchen invite relaxed, effortless living
Location
A peaceful riverside setting close to Little River’s cafes and galleries, with Akaroa just over the hill and Christchurch an easy commute
Opportunity
A property of this scale, character and versatility is a rare find. The self-contained guest wing creates outstanding options for extended family, private accommodation or additional income
Potential
Expansive grounds of 1.2ha offers endless possibilities
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