This Raglan new build took its cues from Mediterranean architecture

Article by Your Home and Garden

The owners of a new build in Raglan, which has cool curves in all the right places, took coastal Mediterranean architecture as their muse

Meet & greet

Monica (co-founder of an eco yoga mat company) and Justin Grimshaw (sales manager) and their two daughters Kalani, six, and Luna, four.

For as long as Monica Grimshaw can remember, she’s dreamt of living in a little villa on the Mediterranean coast. In her twenties, she moved to London and saved up to spend her summers exploring the dreamy coastline and admiring its sun-soaked stone architecture.

However, the idea to build her own Mediterranean home in New Zealand only came to her during the first lockdown in autumn, 2020. “I wanted to create a home that felt authentic as if I had been transported back to a European villa in the summer,” Monica says.

Seven years ago, Monica and husband Justin fell in love with the surf town of Raglan, often affectionately dubbed the “Byron Bay” of New Zealand.

The dream was an idyllic one, a laid-back lifestyle chasing waves and cups of coffee. They spent two years there before buying a section on the Rangitahi peninsula, an up-and-coming community of new builds nestled into the rolling landscape.

“The peninsula is surrounded by water and native flora, the section itself instantly felt special to us,” says Monica. Framed by expansive views of Mount Karioi and set right near the water’s edge, the site was the perfect setting for a beautiful family home.

The couple, who moved into their new home in March, say they feel blessed to wake up at such a magic spot every day. The build took 15 months, with the arched joinery alone taking nine months to complete.

The result is a surreal Mediterranean beach house, cheekily named Casa del Sol after the dazzling sun that filters through the curves of the home, coming and going as it pleases.

Materials matter

In order to bring Spanish, Greek and Italian coastal architecture into their new build, serious consideration had to be given to the materials used in the house. Monica says she chose to “combine elements such as handmade tiles, rendered walls, niches, brass fixtures and arches and curves throughout the home to give it a Mediterranean feel.”

Nothing signifies this intention more than the sweeping Venetian plastered walls, in Istinto by Giorgio Graesan, which coat the lounge, hallway and bathrooms. This splurge brings a brilliant sense of drama and luxury to every brushstroke. The walls of the home feel hundreds of years old, rather than mere months.

The ceramic ’70s-chic tiles in the bathroom were the first thing that the Grimshaws purchased for their house, years before completion. “I knew I wanted an earthy terracotta tile for the bathroom floors to create a Mediterranean villa vibe,” Monica says, and managed to stumble across handmade Mexican Saltillo tiles from Tiles of Ezra that perfectly fit the bill.

Comparatively, the kitchen tiles were a last-minute decision, Monica admits, influenced by the earthy tones that saturated the bathrooms, settling on the Bejmat Ezra tile in Clay from Tile Depot. The terracotta curves of the kitchen island bring warmth to the cool whites used in this culinary space, which looks like it could’ve been plucked out of Santorini itself.

Arches are repeated throughout the family home, from the kitchen to the hallway and beyond. In a time of harsh lines, the Grimshaw’s abode is all softness. “We would have reconsidered the choice of curved joinery for this home if we knew a six-week estimate would take nine months to complete,” Monica laughs. “Things have taken a long time, but now it doesn’t matter, it is what it is. It’s just exciting to be able to do something a little bit different.”

Having worked in the insulation industry for more than 10 years, Justin was passionate about the performance aspect of the home, Monica says, while she took on the design side, “We worked great as a team.” Thanks to Justin’s expertise, the insulation is made using fibres from recycled plastic bottles, which helps seal in the warmth.

Treasure trove

One of the most playful choices in the home goes to the wall niches, intricately carved into the space in a variety of sizes and shapes. Conceived from Pinterest dreaming, the result is a treasure trove of surprises, each nook showcasing a different, gorgeous vase.

“Aren’t they a vibe? I really had to convince the builder how much we needed these in the beginning,” Monica laughs. “Looking at traditional Mediterranean architecture, they are prominent throughout the interior design, so I felt they were a simple way to bring about the look I wanted to create.”

The pair are collectors of unique pieces, from the ceramic outdoor lights imported from Rome to the recycled papier-mache pendant lighting in the hallway. “Don’t feel the pressure to have to furnish your home from the moment you move in, invest in forever pieces and take your time,” she advises. “I just want to buy things when the right thing comes along.”

Views to die for

The piece de resistance belongs to the sparkling water views of the Rangitahi peninsula, which are framed by large sliding windows. “There’s a water view from every window and we all love watching the sunset from here in the evenings,” Monica says. From the kitchen you can step effortlessly onto a deck that wraps the house in a warm embrace, leading to an intimate courtyard at the heart of the family home.

“We wanted to create an outdoor space that utilised the water view while being really sheltered and private for the family to enjoy,” she notes. The courtyard is thoughtfully adorned with San Pedro cacti, a prickle-less variety that thrives in the sheltered corners of the open-air space. “We can enjoy the sunshine during the day and see the stars above in the evenings,” the couple say dreamily.

“Our perfect weekends at home are spent dining altogether in the courtyard before heading down for an ocean dip in front of our home or a coastal walk around the peninsula.”

The Raglan villa was intended to be the Grimshaw’s forever home, but they acknowledge they may have been bitten by the building bug. “I’d love to one day do it again, but I’m so happy at the moment,” Monica smiles.

It’s been a long wait for their lockdown dream to be realised and there are still finishing touches to be made, with plans for a large pergola running along the front of the house, and a curved rendered wall veggie garden coming to fruition beside the driveway. Monica points out where she’ll place a little breakfast table and chair, which will be beside the herb plantings.

“We’re so excited to complete that whole area, then we’ll line the whole thing with olives and lemons and natives,” she promises, envisioning the many more good things to come.

Words by: Caroline Moratti Photography by: Babiche Martens.