Set within the dramatic landscape of Banks Peninsula, Seascape sits quietly above a secluded bay on the outer reaches of a coastal farm called Annandale. Remote and deeply private, the retreat feels embedded within the coastline itself, shaped as much by the surrounding land as the architecture.
You wind through rolling pasture, cliff edges, and expansive coastal views before the building gradually reveals itself within the hillside.
Designed for two, the retreat features one bedroom and one bathroom, with floor-to-ceiling glass framing uninterrupted views across the Pacific. The architecture is quiet and restrained allowing the landscape to become the focal point.
Inside, there is a fireplace for colder evenings, a simple open-plan living space, and an outdoor bath positioned perfectly for long soaks overlooking the bay below.
As you approach the coastline, there is a feeling of arriving somewhere timeless. The contrast of the volcanic black pebbles against the bright blue water, the surrounding hills, the complete absence of noise. Everything about Seascape encourages you to slow down almost immediately.
Inside, the design feels both grounding and dramatic. A king-sized bed sits elevated above the living space, positioned so your eye is drawn immediately outward, straight to the endless sweep of ocean beyond the glass façade.
Nourishment
Whether it’s a private chef experience or beautifully prepared dishes delivered quietly to your villa, dining can be slowly shared over long evenings with the ocean just beyond the windows.
Experiences
Life at Annandale is closely tied to the landscape, and much of the experience here comes from simply spending time within it.
Across the 4,000-acre coastal farm, walking tracks wind through rolling hills, cliff edges, and open pasture, offering a slower way to experience Banks Peninsula. The 14km Pigeon Bay Walkway is one of the most memorable.
For those drawn to food and cooking, Annandale also offers private cooking experiences with the on-site chef, centred around seasonal New Zealand produce and relaxed, generous dining. It feels less like a formal class and more like being welcomed into the rhythm of the kitchen itself. Learning slowly, tasting often, and sharing meals that reflect the surrounding region.
A short drive from the farm, Akaroa offers another layer to the experience of staying on Banks Peninsula. Set within the harbour of an ancient volcano, the small seaside town carries traces of its French heritage through its cafés, old cottages, and slower pace of life. An afternoon wandering its waterfront, bookstores, and small boutiques feels beautifully nostalgic, particularly after returning from the wildness and seclusion of the farm.
Far removed from the usual tourist path, Annandale offers a quieter experience of rural New Zealand, one defined by dramatic coastlines, working farmland, and the raw beauty of Banks Peninsula’s ever-changing landscape.
