Perched above Paihia with sweeping views of the Bay of Islands, The Close features two architecturally designed homes by GHD Design, transformed by Newton Kay into luxuriously furnished short-term rentals.

With creative freedom from a visionary private client, we crafted interiors that blend modern sophistication with relaxed coastal charm. Each home has its own identity. One is bold, one serene. Yet both feel cohesive, considered and deeply inviting.

From standout design pieces to subtle styling choices, every detail was chosen to deliver a memorable guest experience. The result? Two high-end holiday homes that feel soulful, elevated, and perfectly at home in one of New Zealand’s most idyllic destinations.

We caught up with owner and developer Roger, a dedicated local in Paihia, to hear more about his desire to make something beautiful for the town.

Tell us about The Close.

About six or seven years ago, while walking through town, I looked up at the site that is now The Close and thought, this really doesn't reflect the best of Paihia, surely we can do better for our village? Right in the heart of town, the hillside above the main car park was overgrown with gorse, privet, and all sorts of weeds and looked quite neglected. That day, I decided I would try to purchase the site and create a development that could lift the standard and give us something to be proud of. From the beginning, I said I doubted I’d make any money from the project, but that I hoped to help make Paihia a better place. And as it turns out, I’ve been right on both counts!

How did you come about working with us at Newton Kay?

It was through word-of-mouth via the local grapevine that I was introduced to Newton Kay. Because the housing market was not moving at all, especially at the top end, I spoke to a very good friend of mine about using two of the four houses we have built for short-term holiday rentals. Well, that was like turning on a tap… She was gushing about the job Newton Kay had done on a house that she had recently sold. She couldn’t stop singing their praises, but the ultimate praise was that the owner of the house had liked what you had done so much that they no longer use it for the short-term rentals they had planned.

What were you looking to achieve with the interior design of the properties?

I wanted my short-term holiday guests to feel relaxed and comfortable in luxurious surroundings so that they would enjoy the beautiful houses, the amazing location and the stunning views over the Bay of Islands. That has all been achieved, as proven with our rating of 9.9/10 by the industry. Doesn’t get much better than that!

Share your thoughts on the end result.

The two houses that Newton Kay crafted have two totally different styles, and I get an equal amount of compliments from each of them. Our guests love both fitouts, which says it all.

Overall, Newton Kay listened to what I was trying to achieve. They are thoroughly professional. They came up with great concepts for the fitouts and executed that vision beautifully, working to a budget. You can’t ask for more than that!

I would absolutely recommend Newton Kay to others… As I have already done. I am already looking to work with Lara and Miranda on a new project.

What is your favourite part of the properties now that they are fully styled?

The best part is that we have achieved everything we set out to achieve. There are many stakeholders in this project and we all feel immensely proud of what has been created. I thank every one of them for bringing it all together.

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