Luck Of The Irish

A family moved to New Zealand with a clear plan in place, but instead fell under the spell of this magnificent art deco homestead in Hawke’s Bay

- Fiona Ralph

Sometimes even the best-laid plans have to move aside for what some call ‘fate’, and others ‘good luck’. When Colin and Emma Hadden moved from Ireland to Hawke’s Bay in 2013, they planned to find work in the farming industry. But when dairy prices crashed, they changed tack and looked into orcharding instead.

The couple searched for a house and lifestyle business for a long time, but nothing seemed right. Then they heard about a B&B called Meadowood.

“When we drove up the drive, even before we saw the house, we got a good feeling and said, ‘This is it,’” recalls Emma. “The trees and gardens; they’re so like home. Properties in New Zealand with those mature gardens don’t come on the market that often.”

In fact, this house wasn’t even on the market. A friend in real estate had suggested the couple take a look, and they fell in love with it despite themselves. “It wasn’t about the house,” Emma says. “When we saw the house we weren’t mad about it because it was icecream pink, which was very polarising to say the least.” The Haddens managed to purchase the property in a private sale and the four-bedroom 1930s homestead was theirs.

EXTERIOR OVERHAUL

The property, dubbed Meadowood House in the 1960s, has been reinvigorated under the Haddens’ care. While the interior had been refurbished by the previous owners with help from interior designers Bibby + Brady, Emma and Colin overhauled the exterior. The ice-cream pink made way for cobalt blue, a choice inspired by fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent’s famous Marrakech home, Villa Oasis. The Haddens have also planted a sizeable apple orchard on their lush section.