Trying out tiny house living has been high on my list for some time, and this ‘scouting trip’ (as I’ve dubbed this particular NZ mission), was the perfect opportunity to give it a go. Stoke level: freshly heightened, thanks to investing in Bryce Langston’s “Living Big in a Tiny House” a week prior while down in Christchurch. A timely purchase from a favourite cafe outpost (don’t miss Addington Coffee Co-op next time you’re in the neighbourhood). After following the company BuildTiny for almost a year I’d been excited to learn that one of their builds could be visited just a stone’s throw from Wellington, yet a world away. Em secured a day off work and our test run destination was set at Waikawa Beach, a small community at the north end of the Kapiti Coast.
The coast is always calling, and we are always ready to answer. It was time to grab my Hearth Sister, and go. We cruised out of town after work and were soon making our way along the coastline up State Highway 1.
TinyVille: a sweet spot to rest and refresh.
The bird theme throughout mirrored the sense of freedom and possibility we felt during our stay.
We arrived at dinnertime and picnicked on the deck with our glory bowls, overlooking the dunes and ocean. We basked in a soul-filling sunset on the beach. We fell asleep to the sound of the waves, snuggled up in our loft bed and bathing in the light of a brilliant full moon.
Indoor outdoor flow.
Waking up to Nespresso and croissants (courtesy of our Airbnb hosts) was the perfect way to savour a slow morning. Tea and scones soon followed, then a walk along the beach. We checked out the show homes at nearby Greenhaven Smart Homes which spun the mental wheels faster on all things efficient design and smaller-scale builds. We cafe hopped our way back down the coast, brimming with ideas and fresh inspiration (Highly recommend the Quarter Acre Cafe in Manakau and Marine Parade Eatery in Paraparaumu Beach for pitstops en route).
We ended our getaway in Days Bay with some time along the shore, and an evening yin yoga class tucked up in the trees at Pause Yoga.
A Hearth Space evokes a sense of expanse - openness of physical space, perhaps, but more so the mental room to think, dream, reflect, and share. A tastefully, thoughtfully outfitted beachfront cabin overlooking the open ocean is a great place to start. Sandy toes, the rhythm of the water as the tide comes and goes, and the sleepy feel of a coastal town are all ingredients for inviting pause, presence, and possibility.
-Ali
