Homes that bring people together, plus Easter treats for a late summer picnic

From the team at NZ House & Garden [NZ House & Garden] [NZ House & Garden - From the Editor]( Hi {NAME}, The April issue – on sale now – I know will delight. It has such a rich and layered line-up of homes guaranteeing something for everyone to love. We run the gamut of lifestyles from a young couple’s contemporary architectural beauty, an opera singer’s historic cottage through to one woman's French fantasy fulfilled. Add to the mix a North Canterbury garden with extraordinary views and history and you’ve got a magazine that’s hard to put down. As well as the houses mentioned above, I’m also loving Hawthorne House, the grand Hawke’s Bay home of Peter Allen and Paul Smith, which they bought by chance after seeing it on Trade Me. Vintage and antique furniture sit alongside modern designer pieces with a backdrop of vibrant wallpapers, enveloping paint choices and loads of art. The sitting room for example is described as being “dark, moody and cosy with the feel of a gentlemen’s club and full of curiosities that add touches of whimsy.” For the style aficionados, particularly retro lovers, the Christchurch home of the Connor family is a winner. Designed in 1969 by Charles R Thomas & Associates, it has clean lines and, although small at 140sqm, clever planning means it's well laid out and feels more spacious than it looks. A swimming pool and a reasonably sized backyard are added bonuses. As with every month we’ve loaded up on shopping ideas, food and drinks to try along with new stores and cafes you need to know about. Happy reading. [Naomi Larkin] Naomi Larkin Editor [Naomi Larkin] Naomi Larkin Editor     In our April issue   Less is more in Auckland The masterful simplicity of a striking Westmere home designed by Andrew Patterson captivated a couple who are now slowly filling it with art. The house is "essentially a glass box with bedrooms on top", and is the ideal setting for their ever-growing collection. It's the Home of the Month in our April issue, out now. Home to roost in France This month's Kiwi Living Abroad fell in love with Maison de la Tour, a stone house and dovecote, while she was visiting the French village of Les Junies. Her move saw her ship more than 100 boxes of French antiques back to their country of origin, and she set about creating a lovely home on the other side of the world.     Tales of the unexpected in Hastings An Auckland couple were contemplating a move to Hawke's Bay when they spotted Hawthorne House, a beautiful Edwardian homestead in Hastings, was for sale and decided to bite the bullet and go for it. The historic home needed little done to it structurally but the talented pair set about restoring and enchancing its character, and have filled it with an eclectic and interesting mix of art, furniture and objects.   Sponsored content Calming bedroom spaces The Salina bedroom collection demonstrates the dedication of British company Ercol in pursuing a contemporary direction in furniture while staying true to its extensive history. The pale ash has a light whitewash which invokes a relaxed and calming atmosphere. In New Zealand, Ercol furniture is exclusive to Good Form. [Shop now](   Sponsored content Elegance from Hinkley The Agave pendant uniquely blends form and function with its extraordinary hand-sculpted, leafy layers. Inspired by the agave plant, this fountain-like silhouette captivates with a distinctive nature-inspired design brought to life in eye-catching Burnished Gold or Textured Plaster finishes (several sizes available). See the many lighting inspirations from Hinkley’s Elegance range at Bardsleys Lighting & Design in Takapuna. [Find out more](   Nature's palette in North Canterbury The garden at a family farm near Culverden, which has the Lowry Peaks Range as its backdrop and extraordinary views and history, provides endless joy and inspiration for an artist and her handy husband. Over the past 20 years the couple have developed it to be both tranquil and full of interest, with poignant places to pause throughout and take time to "smell the roses". It features in our latest issue, available in stores now.   Sponsored content Tradition meets modern The Phoenix Cromford tapware collection seamlessly blends traditional charm with modern aesthetics, suited for heritage villas or industrial apartments. Inspired by a 19th-century plumbing catalogue, Alexander Tomlinson, design engineer at Phoenix, crafted the range with intricate details and geometric precision. Featuring tapware, shower fittings and accessories, this collection epitomises a unique fusion of past and present design. [Find out more](   Giveaway Win one of three DoPaw dog Treat Boxes worth $310 each DoPaw’s dog treats are crafted with love for all paws! They're 100% raw, natural and grain-free, made with New Zealand-sourced human-grade ingredients. We have three DoPaw Treat Boxes, valued at $310 each, to give away which includes the full range of DoPaw treats and merch for pups of all ages and sizes to enjoy. Competition closes 11.59pm on April 1, 2024. Terms & Conditions apply. [Enter now](   Special Feature: Kitchens In this month's issue you'll find plenty of kitchen inspiration in our special feature. We take a look at the latest trends in this hard-working part of the home and find kitchens are working harder and smarter – and looking better than ever. Going with the flow in Auckland Practicality and creative vision came together during an elegant Grey Lynn villa renovation for a family with three teenage children. The home is designed to suit their busy lifestyle and has a light and airy feel while feeling cosy and intimate too.   Giveaway Win a Margaret Hema autumn skincare pack "Skin should be treated like beautiful fabric," says Wellington's Margaret Hema, who makes a range of premium natural skincare by hand. We have an autumn skincare pack to give away to one lucky winner including Margaret's Facial Cleansing Oil, Day Creme SPF12 and the Restoration Night Facial Oil, valued at $460. Competition ends 11.59pm, April 1, 2024. Terms and conditions apply. [Enter now](   [Visit our website]( [Buy now]( You are receiving this email because you are opted in to receive the NZ House & Garden newsletter. 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