Originally crafted as a sawmiller’s homestead in the Totara Forest, north up the Ruamahunga Valley, Ranginui Retreat began life with character and heart already woven into its walls. In the late 1970s, it was gracefully relocated to its commanding position, where over the following decade it was lovingly reshaped and refined. Passing through the hands of several owners, the property eventually found its current custodians in 2015. Since then, an inspired vision has unfolded—a labour of passion and artistry that has significantly transformed the residence into a home of rare beauty.
Spanning 3.299 hectares, the land is as captivating as the home itself—a harmonious blend of contoured slopes and level paddocks. This balance of form and function frames the residence with sweeping outlooks while offering versatility for grazing, recreation, or simply enjoying the beauty of wide-open space. The property is well serviced by both spring and rainwater collection, ensuring a plentiful supply year-round.
The current owners relocated a charming cottage from Hawke’s Bay and, in collaboration with their architects, breathed new life into its design. The result is a self-contained dwelling of warmth and character, thoughtfully reimagined to reflect the craftsmanship and attention to detail evident throughout the main residence. Nestled among the gardens and trees, the cottage provides privacy, comfort, and the perfect space to rejuvenate, continuing its potential as additional accommodation or a luxury rental offering.
Step inside the main home and you are welcomed by a sweeping entrance that immediately conveys a sense of arrival. Its generous proportions invite a moment of pause, creating an elegant and memorable first impression. Ahead, a striking sliding door becomes a focal point—adorned with original newspaper discovered during the home’s renovation, a rare detail that seamlessly weaves history into the fabric of the residence.
At the centre of the home, the kitchen has been carefully reimagined to maximise flow and functionality. Recycled and repurposed materials lend a charm that is both timeless and contemporary, while the open-plan layout connects seamlessly with dining and living areas. Formal dining and sitting rooms add balance, offering both relaxed family living and refined spaces for entertaining.
The main house features three bedrooms and three bathrooms, each designed to capture natural light and views of the grounds. The master suite is a private sanctuary, complete with ensuite, walk-in dressing room, and serene outlooks over the gardens. Additional bedrooms offer comfort and versatility, complemented by well-appointed bathrooms, garden views, and a generous office space for those working from home.
Outdoors, the property continues to impress. European-inspired gardens create a series of “rooms,” leading the eye toward views over the Ruamahunga River to Mt Bruce in the north. Recreational amenities include a saltwater swimming pool, tennis court, stables, tack shed, and a productive vegetable garden—together offering a lifestyle that caters to both family living and leisure pursuits. Currently operated as luxury guest accommodation, Ranginui Retreat seamlessly blends lifestyle, business potential, and the possibility of multi-generational living, all within easy reach of Masterton township, quality schools, and the train station for Wellington commuters.
Ranginui Retreat is more than a home—it is a legacy, a lifestyle, and an opportunity to own a property of rare distinction, where every detail has been carefully considered and lovingly executed,
