Even though it’s only 50-square-metres, this cute bach in the Marlborough Sounds has loads of retro charm and brings holidays close to home
A quaint, retro bach near Picton makes holidays easy for this young family
Casey Hilton-Pryor and Tommy Glubb are lucky enough to own a bach on a prime slice of Marlborough Sounds real estate just 10 minutes by car from the port town of Picton. Even better, this getaway is only a little over a half-hour’s drive from their home in Blenheim.
As owner-operators of a seven-days-a-week retail operation they wanted a place within easy reach of their home and business so they could commute to work while still being ‘on holiday’.
Casey, what do you and Tommy love most about your bach?
– What’s not to love? We love it all, but especially the idea of being able to stay here for extended periods and travel to work. That will be fantastic, especially as we work long hours.
– The galley kitchen is small but it’s really functional. It’s amazing how few essentials you need in a kitchen. We have everything in a very compact space.
– Beeches Bay has a combination of permanent and holiday residents. We feel really secure, knowing that the settlement has people living here year round.
– I love the way that this place feels exactly like a bach – that really appeals to us. We can truly relax and not worry about salt water and sand getting tracked inside.
– All-day sun. The place is a sun trap and I can enjoy the sun and the views from every living space.
– Watching the ferry pass, going in and out through Queen Charlotte Sound. At night the ferries are all lit up and that looks amazing. It’s quite surprising but they really do look very pretty.
– The interior style and feel. It is so cosy and cute!
Future plans
Casey, what’s on the to-do list?
We are looking at ways we can upgrade and modify the pathways around the property so that we can extend our outdoor living space.
Is the bach warm?
Really warm. We have a heat pump and the interior is well insulated. Curtains help retain the heat but we prefer to leave them open and take in the views.
What are you most looking forward to this summer?
We are sharing our bedroom with Poppy at present, and I am really looking forward to that morning when I wake to the sound of birdsong rather than Poppy!
Book the bach.
When Tommy and Casey are not staying in this delightful bach, they offer it up to singles or couples looking for the ideal retro retreat. Search number 8560 on bookabach.co.nz for details.
Words by: Ady Shannon. Photography by: Daniel Allen.
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The red and white retro lounge suite is well suited to decor that combines art deco pieces with 1970s classics.
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It is fortunate that the former owners’ taste is entirely in keeping with Casey and Tommy’s vision.
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Shop the look:
Hammock, $219 from Freedom. Smiths retro chrome clock, $199, and Fitzgerald chair, $795, from zuca.co.nz. John Crichton Atomic side table, $450, from Mr Bigglesworthy. Madras rug, $299, from Freedom.
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The bach was sold including everything from canoes and kayaks to cutlery, crockery and books on the shelf.
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Shop the look:
Antique brass drinks trolley, $949, from Green With Envy. Vintage chair, $45, and Crown Lynn vintage cup and saucer, $20, from Junk & Disorderly. Mid-century teak coffee table, $450, from Mr Bigglesworthy. Scott Facer Pick-up Sticks table lamp, $581, from essenze.co.nz.
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Large windows in the living room frame the picturesque bay below.
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At the bach, Kiwiana rules with retro furnishings that are cheerful, quirky and perfectly suited to the much-loved little abode.
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Dating from the 1950s, the home harnesses the views and the sun, with weatherboards, iron roofing, fixtures and fittings most likely chosen based on whatever was available at the time.
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Bunting brings a carnival ambience and adds to the holiday feel, along with a weathered oar hung above the bed.
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The main level includes a galley kitchen, living room, bathroom and bedroom.
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A floral cushion and paisley-style bedspread – “Ezibuy do great bedroom things andI loved this cover,” says Casey – add touches of colour and pattern.
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French windows in the main bedroom open to the deck overlooking the bay.
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The downstairs bedroom is reserved for visitors.
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Under the house there is room for not only the laundry but a hot tub.
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The boardwalks and rope rails were built by Neville and Duncan McCallum of Foreshore Construction, Blenheim.
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The boardwalks were built by Neville and Duncan McCallum of Foreshore Construction, Blenheim.
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Casey and Tommy are looking at ways they can upgrade and modify the pathways around the property so they can extend their outdoor living space.
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From their bach they can look straight across to the other side of Queen Charlotte Sound.
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