press kit
Thoughtful architecture, cleverly curated interiors, and an unparalleled attention to detail are hallmarks of luxury New Zealand hideaway Rosewood Cape Kidnappers.
The journey began in 2004 when New Yorkers Julian and Josie Robertson, whose love affair with New Zealand had begun some three decades earlier during a sabbatical year living in the country, purchased 6,000 acres of pastoral land in North Island New Zealand’s Hawke’s Bay wine country, with cliffs dropping dramatically to the Pacific Ocean.
Initially building a Tom Doak designed, 18 hole “marvel of golf’ golf course and cleverly converting a sheep shearing shed into an uber-chic ProShop and Clubhouse with Virginia Fisher interiors, they simultaneously began planning a luxury lodge as a ‘sister’ to their already acclaimed Northland property Kauri Cliffs.
Anchored around seven fingers of land atop cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean, the Cape Kidnappers golf course quickly garnered a string of accolades and was named No. 27 in the World by US Golf Digest.
The design process began with a clear and steadfast vision for a quintessentially New Zealand design that would evoke the spirit and atmosphere of a working farm, though never at the expense of comfort and luxury. “Something that would look rural, even agricultural, juxtaposed with interiors that would be surprisingly comfortable, stylish and with an understated natural elegance”, said Josie Robertson.
Auckland-based New Zealand architect Andrew Patterson from Patterson Associates assisted with initial design concepts, then handing over to Auckland based Paul Rosnell and Roger Langley from VLRA Architects. After an extensive design process and ensuing two-year construction gestation period, the project was completed in late 2007. The resulting lodge and cottage suites resemble a cluster of farm buildings that blend seamlessly with the natural landscape, looking right at home on the high ridge above Cape Kidnappers and overlooking sweeping sheep-filled pastures and the ocean beyond.
As guests drive up the winding 8-kilometre driveway through forest, gullies, and creeks, they catch the first glimpse of the lodge. The lodge exterior is composed of rustic stone and macrocarpa, with much of the exterior lighting hand-forged by blacksmiths in Colorado to create bespoke carriage lights, iron chandeliers and wall sconces.
Entering the lodge through tall timber doors opening to reveal a handsome entrance hall with high beamed ceilings, timber walls, and floors made from slabs of stone from a Nepalese monastery. Every piece of beauty in this lodge is deliberate. Exposed beams and smooth plank timber floors add a rugged warmth that contrasts with plenty of luxurious touches.
The interiors were very much a combined effort and labour of love between Aspen-based interior designer Linda Bedell and Josie Robertson. Bedell took her first cue from the sheer beauty of the landscape and the sea, calling for spacious, high ceilinged rooms with expansive windows and French doors. "By day, the light pulls you out to enjoy all that this unique part of the world has to offer, and by night guests are lured back in by the soft lighting, roaring fires, and ultra- comfort”, said Linda Bedell.
Robertson and Bedell sourced unique finds, including one-of-a-kind antique pieces to more decorative farm-themed objects and accessories from around the globe, from New York to Auckland, London to Bali, shipping some 15 containers from around the world to complete the project. Together, their combined design experience and highly trained eyes ensured a harmonious blend of unique finds from disparate cultures, where the overall aim was more to soothe than to dazzle.
The main living room is a favourite gathering space adorned with luxurious, deep sofas, including a notable piece once owned by actors Demi Moore and Bruce Willis. It's a tasteful blend of antique workbench tables, acclaimed New Zealand artwork, and utilitarian farm tools, all set against natural colour schemes and fabrics like linen, suede, and cotton.
Throughout the lodge, multiple dining areas with fireplaces, both indoors and outdoors, offer varied experiences while maintaining a cohesive ambiance. The expansive loggia, with its timber ceilings and retractable glass doors, serves as the perfect location for a sun-drenched breakfast or beautiful fireside dinner.
The lodge's design pays homage to its rural setting, with unique elements like a converted grain silo integrated into the facade and transformed into an intimate snug, combining rural comfort with contemporary flair, making it a beloved and frequently photographed space within the lodge.
The 24 suites are equally charming with considered design touches including custom made nightstands, desks, entry tables, and wicker chairs, sourced from Indonesia and crafted to Bedell’s specifications. Vintage tractor seats hoisted above the king size beds add an eclectic touch, as do sliding ‘barn style’ doors and shearling upholstered desk chairs.
The Robertson’s niece Blanche Robertson, a US- based photographer was commissioned to shoot the farm and sheep station, and her work features extensively in lodge suites providing a true sense of place on the Farm.
Assembling the same design team, the ‘Owner’s Cottage’ was later added to the accommodation offering, affording a larger footprint suitable for multi-generational and group travel. The great room is an expansive and airy spot for living and dining, adjoining an open-air terrace for overlooking the rolling landscape of sheep pastures and forest. Four spacious and private bedrooms, each with the lodge’s signature gas fireplaces, large bathrooms, and walk-in robes, branch off convivial main space. The Owner’s Cottage, Bedell added, is “the pinnacle of what a great farmhouse could be’.
