Kings Ridge Evolution
The gardens around the Ridge House were designed by Johanna, a Landscape Architect, prior to the relocation of the two houses, specifically suit the era of the houses, their aspect and outlook. Her husband Andrew built the unique woodshed with its doors made of old garden tools and the delightful Flower House The Long Lawn enjoys the mountain views, these are framed by a closely clipped teuchrium hedge which provides shelter from the prevailing wind which protects the Flag Iris and Hemerocallis lilies behind it. The plinths for the classical pots were made by Johanna herself, mixing the concrete for each in a wheel barrow. The partially enclosed veranda on this side of the house creates a sheltered conservatory containing a collection of white flowering plants. It also serves as an outdoor dining and BBQ area..
A large pergola dressed with Jacqueline du Pris roses and ornamental grapes covers the courtyard and lime grit paved walk area. Standard syzygium Burgundy Glow underplanted with blue pulmonaria line the walk. Three steps lead down to the croquet lawn and its formal border. Here the garden harks back to the 1880’s with topiary of clipped yew, berberis and puttosporum. Behind it is a row of 7 liquidambar Worpleston treated as a ‘managed’ French hedge, behind them a hedge of corokia..
The gardens around the Ridge House were designed by Johanna, a Landscape Architect, prior to the relocation of the two houses, specifically suit the era of the houses, their aspect and outlook. Her husband Andrew built the unique woodshed with its doors made of old garden tools and the delightful Flower House The Long Lawn enjoys the mountain views, these are framed by a closely clipped teuchrium hedge which provides shelter from the prevailing wind which protects the Flag Iris and Hemerocallis lilies behind it. The plinths for the classical pots were made by Johanna herself, mixing the concrete for each in a wheel barrow. The partially enclosed veranda on this side of the house creates a sheltered conservatory containing a collection of white flowering plants. It also serves as an outdoor dining and BBQ area.
The Background Story
The vision for Kings Ridge Gardens began in 2017 as a swansong house and garden project designed, implemented and built by a Landscape Architect and a Structural Engineer, couple.
From the first viewing of the property in April 2017, despite the 3ha of steep paddocks and tired 1980’s bungalow they immediately saw the potential that lay in its location on a ridge, its orientation, the dozen or so mature trees, its wonderful western and eastern views, the rich untilled soil and its proximity to the historic village of Waipawa.
Purchased in July 2017, work began immediately on possession on firstly the landscape design for the property and then the soon to be relocated historic houses. The first renovations began with the existing bungalow (now a BnB) and its gardens and orchard. This extensive work took just four months. In October 2017 the two historic houses were moved onto the property, an 1860’s cottage and a 1900’s villa and the project began in earnest.
By mid-2018 the 1865 cottage was structurally repaired and renovated, inside and out. The cottage has now been carefully furnished with antiques, original artworks, as well as modern comforts. The cottage’s now extensive gardens were created to provide a garden setting commensurate with the age of the cottage. Plants popular in the 1800’s have been chosen. Old roses, (General Gallieni, Souvenir d’ Leonie d’Viennot, Souvenir de la Malmaison) penstemon, dianthus, lilies, dahlia, salvia, campanula, lavender and more. The cineraria dell and flowering cherries are especially vibrant and spectacular in early spring.
Renamed Anniversary Cottage it is now a BnB. Guests love the opportunity of a nostalgic escape from the 21st century, to enjoy time out in peace and quiet, snuggled up by a woodfire at night and relaxing on the sunny verandas in the midst of a special garden by day..
The Ridge House northeast varandah and the turret (sunroom below and bedroom above) were completed in 2024 in the style of the original villa and provides all-day sun and a lovely view over farmland to the Ruahine Range
The loop drive to the studio and Ridge House with the pergola and screen to the top garden
Kings Ridge Gardens welcomes
Garden Groups
by prior appointment
$20 per adult,
Street parking only
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