Penrith Peaks: A Low-Maintenance Holiday Home with Lake Wānaka Views
Penrith Peaks, designed by Condon Scott Architects, is a striking holiday home in Wānaka, New Zealand, crafted for a North Island couple with plans to eventually make it their permanent residence.
Its design responds to strict site setbacks and historic planning rules, with a west-facing living room and a roofline angled to catch the eastern morning sun.
The home’s exterior blends vertical dark-stained timber on the lower level with a metal-wrapped upper floor, giving it a floating, modern appearance. Warm timber tones frame the balcony and extend indoors, contrasting against the crisp white kitchen. A sheltered rear courtyard, tucked into the slope of the land, offers a wind-protected outdoor space without sacrificing views of the lake and surrounding mountains.
The layout is compact yet functional, with two bedrooms upstairs and space for a third in a flexible office. A large garage, drying room, and wine cellar accommodate the active, outdoor-oriented lifestyle the region inspires. From its sleek, faceted form to its easy-care finishes, Penrith Peaks meets the needs of both holidaymakers and future retirees, offering year-round comfort with minimal upkeep.
Images by : Biddi Rowley