|
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
| Akaroa house |
| The owner of this New Zealand home has worked her magic inside and out. |
|
|
|
|
On the hills above the picturesque harbour of Akaroa, New Zealand stands a large French-style house. Affectionately dubbed "The Giant's House" by locals, it's home to local artist Josie Martin.
Josie has a passion for gardening. In fact, her Akaroa garden is dotted with examples of her artistic work and proof of her green thumb. Hidden among the lush shrubs and colourful sculptures is another of her passions, her beautiful French-style home.
The personal touch on the property is evident from the entrance. Guests are greeted by a brightly coloured letterbox, decorated with gimmicky teapots. The path leading to the house is covered with graffiti, including a hopscotch game and the words "The Giant's House" and "Artist's Garden".
Her sculptures are carefully placed throughout the garden, adding colourful contrast to the green rolling hills and shrubs. Josie makes her sculptures from papier mache, experimenting with shape and size as she goes. Next, she takes the piece to a local blacksmith who duplicates the artwork using metal. She uses car paints to add texture and bright colours to the sculptures.
Mosaic steps lead to the front verandah, where a mosaic plaque identifies the house as "Linton". The two-storey timber house is painted white, with red trim and a green pitched roof. The French colours add to the provincial feel of the property.
The French influence has drawn attention from many locals and tourists. Recently, Josie entertained a French Parliamentarian for dinner in her home. She also has regular concerts in her conservatory, which has rustic appeal with a brick day bed and interior plants.
In the entrance of the house is a large, ornate Mahogany staircase. This twists to the top floor and makes an impressive feature in the room. The timber staircase was imported from France when the house was built in 1880. The house has a warm feel about it, with a lot of lamps casting light, timber floors and richly coloured rugs and runners.
An unusual talking point is a walkway linking the second floor of the house with a hilly section of the garden. To access the walkway, visitors climb out the bathroom window. The walk follows a small path, complete with timber archway, and stops near a rustic garden seat surrounded by white roses.
Nestled among the shrubs in this private part of the garden is another treasure, an old cast iron bath tub. Viewing the garden while taking a warm, peaceful soak is the perfect way to spend a sunny, autumn New Zealand day.
|
More Info
For more information on "Linton" guest house and gardens contact Josie Martin.
Ph: +64 3 304 7501
E-mail: josiemartin@paradise.net.nz
For more information on Akaroa contact Tourism New Zealand.
Ph: 02 9728 5801
www.purenz.com
|
Disclaimer
All Fact Sheets and other material on the Our House website are provided as a general information service only and should not be relied upon as a substitute for the advice of a properly qualified tradesman. Neither ninemsn nor its licensors (including the Nine Network) assume or accept any responsibility for, and will not be liable for the accuracy or appropriate application of any information whatsoever in any Fact Sheet or other material on the Our House web site. Your use of the Our House web site is governed by this disclaimer and the ninemsn's Terms of Use.
|
|
|
|
|
