Chic Retreat
Sustainable Luxury Accommodation Experience
In August 2024, I met with Sarah and Darren Linton, who shared a beautiful vision: to create spaces that foster a deep connection with nature and with one another.
Their journey began with a clear and heartfelt mission, to redefine luxury by aligning it with sustainability and meaningful experiences.
The Design:
The soul of this garden invited reconnecting with nature, yourself and your loved ones, while embracing who you are and the way you live.
The garden is a sanctuary for relaxation, meditation and reflection, where every plant and stone is thoughtfully placed to foster harmony, tranquility and balance. It offers a space to clear your mind, embrace the present moment and appreciate the beauty around you without needing to understand it.
Interior design - Steiners, Interiors by Reputation
Feature Lighting - David Trubridge , Steel Designs - Lisa Sarah
Construction - Millys Gardening , Green Concepts ,Great Escape Gardens
Project management by Matt Bonham
Photographs - Onsite media
The paradise stepping stones gently guide you through the front of the garden, bringing light, energy and calm.
They form a path between the spa and yoga area, symbolising the flow of water from east to south to west.
The Rock water feature sits within a honey comb-shaped pond of schist river stones.
Pause, close your eyes and listen to the soothing sound of water cascading over the rocks.
The recycled railway sleepers are arranged in an organic rhythum, their lines symbolising the connection and bonds nurtured within this space.
Waikite Luxury Stay
This design was developed for a new luxury Airbnb located in Rotorua, Waikite. The first stage of the outdoor area has been completed, with plans to finish the remaining elements in the near future.
What was once an unruly, uncomfortable, and awkward outdoor space has been thoughtfully transformed into a welcoming area for enjoyment and relaxation.
The new design features a spacious, sheltered decking area crafted for comfort and intended to be enjoyed with loved ones, rain or shine.
Photographs of the construction are on their way :-)
The images below have been created as a 3D Model and rendered by Milly.
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Forever Home
A design inspired by the warmth and spirit of the lovely whānau themselves—a beautiful forever home created to embrace life’s simple yet precious moments, and the many memories still to come.
Set on a spacious rural property in Rotorua, the home enjoys breathtaking views of the lake, nestled among stunning native plants and the gentle touch of perennial pasture.
This design is currently under construction by the clients.
The provided plans offer a clear and easy-to-follow guide, supporting a smooth building process
Bethlehem
Beauty
A Stunning Family Home in the Heart of the Bay of Plenty, Tauranga.
I met Nicky in February 2025 to discuss a landscape design that would soften the hardscape elements surrounding her spa pool, improve the connection between the lawn and deck areas, and transform an underutilised space into a welcoming outdoor dining area.
The goal was to create a cohesive, inviting environment that better reflected the warmth and vibrancy of the family living there.
Currently under construction planning with Milly
