DESKTOP

MOBILE

Designed by: Steven Painter, Landmark Homes Taupo

Photography by: Deanna Onan, Open2View

The owners secured their dream site directly across from the shores of Lake Taupō in Two Mile Bay.

Wanting to step away from the cost-driven builds of their past, their vision was a home that embraced lifestyle, extended family, and the joy of entertaining friends.

With greater freedom to focus on individuality and detail, they sought a design that reflected quality craftsmanship, timeless appeal, and a strong connection to its spectacular lakefront setting.

Street view of the generous, two-storey home – strategic lighting accentuates the architecture.
Street view of the generous, two-storey home – strategic lighting accentuates the architecture.

Landmark Homes was chosen for its reputation for bespoke builds – where no two homes look alike – and for the opportunity to collaborate on a custom layout tailored to the land and outlook.

The brief called for a light, relaxed home with a coastal feel, maximising lake views and natural light.

The design of the home is oriented to embrace the lake, ensuring every opportunity was taken to frame the water vistas.

The result is a 342m², two-level residence that balances contemporary elegance with functionality, equally suited to family living and hosting gatherings.

Lakeside living at its finest – the living room opens to an expansive front deck. Mature trees between home and lake add to the immersive natural vibe.
Lakeside living at its finest – the living room opens to an expansive front deck. Mature trees between home and lake add to the immersive natural vibe.

The striking exterior combines plaster, Nuline planks, and Hard as Rocks stacked stone, delivering a bold yet enduring façade.

Inside, warm natural timber flooring leads to a lower level designed as a private retreat, with two generous bedrooms, a family room, and a beautifully appointed bathroom.

The upper level is positioned for open-plan living, dining, and kitchen spaces to capture panoramic water views and sunsets.

Large stacker doors open off the lounge and dining zones to a generous deck, with glass balustrades ensuring the lake vista remains unimpeded.

The stunning view right through the home, and side deck, to the sparkling lake as seen from the first floor master bedroom.
The stunning view right through the home, and side deck, to the sparkling lake as seen from the first floor master bedroom.

Another outdoor option is the built-in lounge deck positioned between the master suite and lounge area, creating a seamless indoor-outdoor connection that is sheltered from prevailing winds yet perfectly placed to enjoy the water views.

Cohesion is achieved through the consistent use of porcelain stone across the kitchen, scullery, laundry, and a custom gas fire surround.

The master suite has also been oriented to capture uninterrupted views of the lake throughout the day.

Luxurious in design, it features a spacious walk-in wardrobe and ensuite with twin vanities, a tiled shower, and natural finishes that create a calm retreat.

Decks upstairs and down embrace the spectacular lake views while landscaping will grow and ground the property over time.
Decks upstairs and down embrace the spectacular lake views while landscaping will grow and ground the property over time.

Additional refined touches include a powder room with bespoke vanity and a lift connecting both levels for convenience and accessibility.

Manicured, low-maintenance landscaping enhances the effortless indoor-outdoor flow and reinforces the home’s connection to its lakeside environment.

The result is a one-of-a-kind residence – an elevated expression of the owners’ vision for light, individuality, and enduring design quality.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Find more design ideas and inspiration at trendsideas.com

Credit List

Group home builder
Steven Painter, Landmark Homes Taupo
Co-designer (architectural designer)
Brad Cooper, Project Zero Architecture
Builder
Landmark Homes Taupo
Kitchen designer
Detailed Joinery Taupo
Kitchen manufacturer
Detailed Joinery Taupo
Interior designer
Decor Design Taupo
Landscape
Maze Landscapes Taupo
Cladding
BGC, Specialised & Hard as Rocks, Nuline, Expanel 50mm plaster & Stacked Stone Koryak Ridge
Roof
Colorsteel Endura
Window/door joinery Apex Altherm Residential Series
Window/door joinery Apex Altherm Residential Series
Main flooring
Forte Hardwood Flooring – Urban Copenhagen Prime
Bedroom flooring
Flooring First Carpet – Jacobsen Residential Carpet Loop Pile Boucle
Bathroom tiles
Artica Bianco Natural Rectified (600x600mm) Tile – Tilemax
Paint
Resene – Wan White (& 1/4 Wan White in bathrooms)
General heating
5 x Daikin Inverter Heatpumps Air/Con Units (Alira & Zena Vogue & Cora Highwall System), supplied and installed by Campbell & Potts Refrigeration Taupo
Fireplace
Gas Fire – Escea DS1150 – Mico
Feature light fittings
Hahei Shade – Boheme Home
Awards
Trends International Design Awards (TIDA) Homes – Highly Commended

The owners secured their dream site directly across from the shores of Lake Taupō in Two Mile Bay.

Wanting to step away from the cost-driven builds of their past, their vision was a home that embraced lifestyle, extended family, and the joy of entertaining friends.

With greater freedom to focus on individuality and detail, they sought a design that reflected quality craftsmanship, timeless appeal, and a strong connection to its spectacular lakefront setting.

Street view of the generous, two-storey home – strategic lighting accentuates the architecture.
Street view of the generous, two-storey home – strategic lighting accentuates the architecture.

Landmark Homes was chosen for its reputation for bespoke builds – where no two homes look alike – and for the opportunity to collaborate on a custom layout tailored to the land and outlook.

The brief called for a light, relaxed home with a coastal feel, maximising lake views and natural light.

The design of the home is oriented to embrace the lake, ensuring every opportunity was taken to frame the water vistas.

The result is a 342m², two-level residence that balances contemporary elegance with functionality, equally suited to family living and hosting gatherings.

Lakeside living at its finest – the living room opens to an expansive front deck. Mature trees between home and lake add to the immersive natural vibe.
Lakeside living at its finest – the living room opens to an expansive front deck. Mature trees between home and lake add to the immersive natural vibe.

The striking exterior combines plaster, Nuline planks, and Hard as Rocks stacked stone, delivering a bold yet enduring façade.

Inside, warm natural timber flooring leads to a lower level designed as a private retreat, with two generous bedrooms, a family room, and a beautifully appointed bathroom.

The upper level is positioned for open-plan living, dining, and kitchen spaces to capture panoramic water views and sunsets.

Large stacker doors open off the lounge and dining zones to a generous deck, with glass balustrades ensuring the lake vista remains unimpeded.

The stunning view right through the home, and side deck, to the sparkling lake as seen from the first floor master bedroom.
The stunning view right through the home, and side deck, to the sparkling lake as seen from the first floor master bedroom.

Another outdoor option is the built-in lounge deck positioned between the master suite and lounge area, creating a seamless indoor-outdoor connection that is sheltered from prevailing winds yet perfectly placed to enjoy the water views.

Cohesion is achieved through the consistent use of porcelain stone across the kitchen, scullery, laundry, and a custom gas fire surround.

The master suite has also been oriented to capture uninterrupted views of the lake throughout the day.

Luxurious in design, it features a spacious walk-in wardrobe and ensuite with twin vanities, a tiled shower, and natural finishes that create a calm retreat.

Decks upstairs and down embrace the spectacular lake views while landscaping will grow and ground the property over time.
Decks upstairs and down embrace the spectacular lake views while landscaping will grow and ground the property over time.

Additional refined touches include a powder room with bespoke vanity and a lift connecting both levels for convenience and accessibility.

Manicured, low-maintenance landscaping enhances the effortless indoor-outdoor flow and reinforces the home’s connection to its lakeside environment.

The result is a one-of-a-kind residence – an elevated expression of the owners’ vision for light, individuality, and enduring design quality.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Find more design ideas and inspiration at trendsideas.com

[clean_tags]

Credit List

Group home builder
Steven Painter, Landmark Homes Taupo
Co-designer (architectural designer)
Brad Cooper, Project Zero Architecture
Builder
Landmark Homes Taupo
Kitchen designer
Detailed Joinery Taupo
Kitchen manufacturer
Detailed Joinery Taupo
Interior designer
Decor Design Taupo
Landscape
Maze Landscapes Taupo
Cladding
BGC, Specialised & Hard as Rocks, Nuline, Expanel 50mm plaster & Stacked Stone Koryak Ridge
Roof
Colorsteel Endura
Window/door joinery Apex Altherm Residential Series
Window/door joinery Apex Altherm Residential Series
Main flooring
Forte Hardwood Flooring – Urban Copenhagen Prime
Bedroom flooring
Flooring First Carpet – Jacobsen Residential Carpet Loop Pile Boucle
Bathroom tiles
Artica Bianco Natural Rectified (600x600mm) Tile – Tilemax
Paint
Resene – Wan White (& 1/4 Wan White in bathrooms)
General heating
5 x Daikin Inverter Heatpumps Air/Con Units (Alira & Zena Vogue & Cora Highwall System), supplied and installed by Campbell & Potts Refrigeration Taupo
Fireplace
Gas Fire – Escea DS1150 – Mico
Feature light fittings
Hahei Shade – Boheme Home
Awards
Trends International Design Awards (TIDA) Homes – Highly Commended

Related Articles

Desert romance

Sandy tones, soft curves and repeated interior design elements add to the character of this contemporary, centrally set family kitchen

A welcoming kitchen at the lake house, positioned immediately to the left upon arrival, designed to create a sense of arrival and a generous, inviting atmosphere.

To the lake

Freshly cooked trout all day long – this lakeside kitchen offers a tight palette of oak veneer, Iroko timber flooring, black granite and black slate mosaics

a modern kitchen island designed by Urbane Projects, showcasing its minimalist aesthetic and functionality

Reflected beauty

Thoughtful finishes, subtle lighting and a bronze mirror-fronted wall cabinet come together to create a balanced family kitchen that also reflects on the wider living space

Portfolios

View Industry Specialists