Restoration – a love story
A Martinborough landmark, this is a house that people – including the current owners – fall in love with. A two-storied Edwardian beauty, it sits serenely among the vineyards on the village’s Golden Mile. You might have sat on the wide verandah sipping rosé when it was the heart of Vynfields Estate or danced outside when it was a flagship venue for Toast. And you might have wondered what was beyond that grand front door. Now, meticulously restored and renamed Waitohu Lodge, that front door is open to lucky guests revealing a world of luxury and comfort.
PHOTO By REBECCA KEMPTON. STORY AS TOLD BY THE CURRENT OWNERS TO WAIRARAPA LIFESTYLE.
We’ve always loved the area, especially Martinborough, and from time to time we would have a look online for a section with vines where we could build on one day. When the house popped up on the estate agent’s listings, we fell in love with the ‘walkthrough’ video of the gardens, the vineyard setting, the magnificent front door inviting you into such a majestic house. It certainly wasn’t the eco-friendly passive build we had envisaged!
We purchased the house sight unseen, asking friends to have a look on our behalf (we are still talking to them by the way), and they allayed our fears that it wasn’t some big old draughty manor, that the rooms had lovely perspectives, and the house was light and airy. So, we put an offer in, collecting the keys in December 2022 – which is when we saw the house for the very first time!
We had a building report done on the place prior to purchase and knew the house needed extensive renovation including fixing some major structural issues. It would be the second time the house had been saved, the first in 1999 by the original owners of the vineyard, who planted the vines, landscaped the grounds and brought the house over the Remutakas in five pieces from Lyall Bay in Wellington, before carrying out a major restoration.
We didn’t need to alter the internal layout of the house too much apart from internalising an outdoor bathroom and creating a boot room at the back. The commercial kitchen was converted into a laundry, and a sheltered and sunny indoor/outdoor entertainment area extended by a deck at the back of the house.
We were living overseas at the time, and it was quite a challenge taking on such a big project. Through the help of our interior designer Sarah Vivian, Aspect Architecture, Martinborough, and maybe the hero in the piece, Scotty’s Construction, we were able to modernise the house, so it is comfortable to stay in, yet retain the character of a grand old lady. Country Mile have done an amazing job with the painting of the exterior. The grounds are an ongoing project being restored and enhanced by Kim Walton from Red Horticultural and we are excited to see the difference she’s made already.
The name Waitohu Lodge came about as Waitohu in Te Reo means significant, important and meaningful. The house has played a significant part in the wine community of Martinborough both as a tasting venue and a Toast venue, it has claim to a very important history in its previous life in Lyall Bay. And it’s meaningful to us as Waitohu Road in York Bay of Eastbourne was where we spent many happy years.
We find it difficult to pinpoint a favourite room or spot but the views from the upstairs balcony over the vineyards and the ranges beyond could win; the colours change through the day and that elevation gives you a beautiful vista. We like the old bell, still kept on the balcony, rung to call in workers in the vineyard.
We think our guests choose Waitohu Lodge for its instant visual appeal, refined elegance, and gorgeous location. It makes a stunning backdrop for brides preparing for their big day; the spacious, beautifully designed rooms create such a serene and sophisticated atmosphere. It has also become a favourite for families celebrating milestone birthdays.
It is a very special place, and we hope those staying in it will enjoy wonderful times there, fill the house with happy vibes and take away wonderful memories.
History
Waitohu Lodge was first built in Lyall Bay, Wellington in 1905 for a wealthy merchant named William Nash. It became home to The Hon Te Heuheu Tukino, Rangatira of Ngati Tuwharetoa, who lived there early last century with his family. He was prominent in leading a committee of rangatira to support Maori members of Parliament. In those historic early days, VIP visitors to the house included King Mahuta, Sir James Carroll and Prime Minister Sir Joseph Ward. The house was also home to Wiremu Ratana, founder of the Ratana Church.
It was eventually turned into a boarding house in the 1950s and, after that, sadly remained empty for many years. Vynefield owners Kaye McAuley and John Bell rescued it from the wrecking ball in 1999, relocating it to its current site.
In brief
Nestled among the vines, a stone's throw from the village, Waitohu Lodge blends luxury with comfort. Renovated and furnished to the highest standard, this iconic Martinborough home will sleep up to eight guests in four sumptuous bedrooms.
Waitohu Lodge’s owners chose Wairarapa Escapes to manage their property, trusting that every detail of the property would be expertly attended to, and guests would enjoy a seamless and stress-free experience.
The Lodge is one of a select group of premium properties, ranging from sweet two-bedroom cottages to spacious houses, managed by Wairarapa Escapes. Locally owned and run by Tania Williamson, Wairarapa Escapes is known for its stylish accommodation, attention to detail and friendly, can-do attitude.
