A home hidden in an Oamaru countryside, featuring a Bond-esque lounge and a two-story mezzanine garden overflowing with flowers, is on the market for the first time in two decades, offering new owners a chance to put their own touch on this one-of-a-kind house.

The 5-bed property at 930 Ferry Road was designed by acclaimed Queenstown architecture firm Cockburn Design in the early 80s. Built into the surrounding bank, it features Alexandra Stone and rimu and a mezzanine garden that opens the second-floor bedrooms and an office directly onto a green space.

Current owner Rosemary Zwies says the original owners worked closely with Cockburn Design to bring the unique vision to life, which has stood the test of time for over forty years. As well as being a dramatic feature of the property, the Alexandra Stone used throughout the house has other benefits.

“The stone keeps the property so warm; it soaks up all the heat and holds it. I regularly will only need to have the heat pump on for a few hours in the morning, and the property stays warm,” says Zwies.

“My late husband and I bought the property 23 years ago, and since then, I’ve put my own stamp on it as well - the gardens had been overgrown but are now one of my favourite features, filled with beautiful mature trees, rhododendrons, camellias and more.

“The second-floor mezzanine garden is a real sun trap too, that I have been able to fill with a range of flowers including daphne shrub, gazanias, irises and daffodils - it’s the perfect spot for them,” she says.

Tall Poppy listing agent Pip O’Connell says that the design is not the only unique element; the property is split between two titles that could allow buyers to sell the second title or use it for farming.

“This area is tightly held for those looking for lifestyle sections and is just 5 minutes from the Waitaki River; it’s away from the hustle and bustle, but still close enough to all the things that make the area so attractive – like Bevan Smith’s award-winning Riverstone Kitchen and the Riverstone Castle,” says Pip

Details for the property at 930 Ferry Road can be found here.