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‘It’s time for life and laughter to fill the bach again’: Architect’s retreat and boatshed listed 30 years on

This two-level bach at Maraetai Bay in Queen Charlotte Sound was designed by the late architect Jonty Rout.

Colleen Hawkes
Last updated: 30 January 2026 | 4 min read

There’s a large boatshed, fixed jetty and slipway - the bach is only accessible by boat.

Flashback: At times, numerous yachts would be moored alongside the boatshed as families came together over the summer.

Eucalyptus flooring, macrocarpa sarking and beams, and unpainted walls give the open-plan living area a natural look that blends in with the native bush surroundings.

Day beds in the living area provide additional sleeping accommodation.

The couple chose the best building platform on the 62ha site to maximise the sea views.

Even the kitchen cabinets and benchtops are timber.

This is one of three bedrooms on the lower level.

A cuppa and a good book on the upper deck (left) - another photo from the family album. At right is the lower deck, which features twig balustrading.

Even the boatshed is a work of fine craftsmanship. There is space to store all the “toys”.

Boating has never been easier.

Escaping the rat race doesn’t get much better than this bach perched amongst the bush

While you can’t see them, there are two tracks leading up to the house - a walking track with steps, and a quad-bike track.

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Colleen Hawkes Colleen Hawkes