Odyssey operates from Chris and Jude’s home in Central Hawke’s Bay, where they moved from Melbourne in 2002.

The Brow was one of the region’s earliest sheep stations—a 150 year old oak tree in the garden is testament to that–and when the old homestead was destroyed by fire in the 1960s, Maori architect John Scott was commissioned to replace it.

The result has been described as one of the country’s greatest 20th century homes. Modernist in style, it draws its inspiration from the Maori meeting house, the woolshed, and the seismic shears of the surrounding countryside. Since their arrival, Chris and Jude have renovated the home, working with John Scott protégé, architect Steve McGavock, to ensure the original character is preserved.

The house looks out over the Ruataniwha plains to the Ruahine ranges and is surrounded by nearly 5 acres of garden that Chris and Jude, with help from landscape architect Alan Titchener, are developing: offsetting the established framework of exotic trees with sweeps of native grasses, shrubs and trees. They are now turning their attention to developing the remaining 55 acres of the property.

For more on the architecture of John Scott go to: www.johnscott.net.nz

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