Inside the Worlds Most Secret Home That Honours Nature and Simplicity (House Tour)

[@TheLocalProject]

We hope you enjoyed exploring The Shepherds Hut and how Fearon Hay and Paul Kennedy transformed this minimalist retreat into a flexible and joyful space. It’s all about appreciating the little things, from those cosy fires to the ever-changing views of Lake Wānaka. Shepherds Hut was recently featured in Issue No. 16 of The Local Project, for more of the latest and greatest in architecture and design, be sure to order a copy now: thelocalproject.com.au/product/issue-16/

[@MC2_Life]

Thanks everyone for your thoughtful comments. I am Matt (aka the shepherd). It was an absolute privilege to have the Local Project feature our magical creation. For those of you who were inspired, thank you 🙏

[@lavidawithjoey]

Simplicity is bliss! What a beautiful property. One can envision recreating this in almost any location in the world without sacrificing its functionality or utility.

[@SnowballRT]

This is probably the best among recent Local Projects featuring. It's not pretentious, it's elegant but utilitarian, it's minimalist and natural.

[@junerose9505]

this is the best home you've ever featured so far, i almost melted in jealousy for the homeowner!! The minimalism, comfort, and style in this design is just the perfect balance, and oh that view is to die for❤

[@TheLocalProject]

We’re so glad you loved it! The balance of minimalism, comfort, and that breathtaking view truly makes this home something special

[@by.pritchard]

This home checks a lot of my boxes. Beautiful, purposeful, and thoughtfully designed to create harmony with its surroundings. The blend of minimalism and warmth makes it feel both refined and inviting, and the adaptable spaces allow it to evolve with changing needs. Truly an inspiring vision, & place! ✅ Beautiful setting and landscape ✅ Indoor/outdoor design ✅ Minimalist ✅ Warm & inviting ✅ Adaptable

[@garyhicks1473]

No surf but there is snow I guess!

[@JaneHealy1972]

As a kiwi, watching this made me feel so proud. I lived in Wanaka for a time and the landscape has a powerful presence. Living there I felt very small in comparison to my surroundings, yet so alive and connected. It's a magic part of the world. I love how this home just quietly sits within the landscape. Well done!

[@TheLocalProject]

Thank you for sharing this beautiful perspective! Wanaka truly has that magical quality, it’s humbling and invigorating all at once ❤️

[@davidalanmedia]

What an incredible home-simple, elegant, and set against the breathtaking mountains of New Zealand. The Local Project has truly raised the bar for shelter videos. Congratulations!

[@hintex487]

The home beautifully blends with its surroundings, showcasing both understated elegance and harmony with nature.

[@salient244]

This guy is my soul brother, the closest thing I've seen to the dream; style, size and location, love the Wanaka area and community. Thanks for sharing.

[@PiefacePete46]

We begin every day by watching an architecture video with our kickstart coffee. So we don't repeat-watch, we tag them with a "Yes" or "No"... your video is a resounding "Yes", this stunning property has absolutely nailed it! I spent a lot of my youth in Central Otago, and always thought I would end up there... didn't happen, so I am making the best of "Plan B". (Hawkes Bay; much less drama and frostbite)

[@NatE1]

Indescribably beautiful. The Local Project does it again.

[@mutchmedia]

Well done. It's perfect! Congratulations to the overseer, architect, home-owner. This is how it gets done. Also refreshing to see a presentation tour of a home that doesn't have all of the nonsense justification for indulgence in the spend to get to a home that provides for the soul.

[@hintex487]

This home truly stands as an example of thoughtful design, where every element serves both function and beauty without unnecessary excess.

[@dpcoffey]

This house invokes an emotional response from me, absolutely wonderful.

[@janelte]

Truly thoughtful, respectful architecture and an exquisite setting that isn't destroyed by the intervention of the building. Thank you for sharing this.

[@sdvinteriors_designstudio]

Love the sliding doors throughout, shape of the fireplaces and bedroom layouts 👏

[@scanholm]

Gorgeous space in an incredible landscape. Very inspiring. Well done to all involved.

[@sma-v9u]

Amazing property. Love the fireplaces backing on to the view.

[@Jessica-kk1cz]

Wonderful space! Utility, material, light and placement have such a beauty to it.

[@88seton]

Certainly can understand your emotional response when you first walked into the home when it was finished. Watching this video gives the viewer a taste of that wonderful feeling too. Thank you.

[@TheLocalProject]

We're glad we could share the feeling of that experience with you 🙌

[@Eltoca21]

Stunning. You may say simple but that simplicity is not always easy to achieve and usually comes with a lot of though. Practical elegant natural open beautiful. Nice one

[@GraemeChapman-d6z]

Beautiful minimalist designed structure that is integrated thoughtfully into the inspiring and dramatic landscape. What a dream location to live, looking over lake Wanaka and those majestic mountain peaks. I would love to live on a property like this.😊

[@darrelmolony1149]

WOW…. I come from Dunedin & I’m blown away with this build….love ya work Matt…awesome

[@hectorfalcon]

O H M Y G O D, incredible beautiful and well done project. Perhaps the simplicity is the most luxurious thing in the world when the view is the focal point. Congratulation.

[@ericmwangi9130]

One of the best countryside homes and locations I've seen so far. Feels like living in a wallpaper. Wow.

[@hintex487]

The way this home blends with its stunning surroundings truly makes it feel like part of the landscape itself.

[@TheSeedsower107]

This house is as it should be in the magnificents of this location. It's functionality and focus is the surrounding landscape, helping the occupants senses to be fully connected to it . A truly spiritual experience . I am overwhelmed at the thought of living in such a glorious place. Thank you for sharing !

[@TheLocalProject]

Our pleasure! We're so glad the connection between the home and its stunning surroundings comes through

[@ailenerheahlaing5203]

Wow. Wow. Wow. I think you’ve built my dream minimalist home!

[@michaelchristensen6819]

Well done mate

[@chase1as]

Aboslute perfection, well done to all involved. Im so pleased this was not another overscaled trophy home that has become common in Central Otago.

[@Daisy_Aimee]

The retractable walls, the minimalism and the colour schemes as well as the concept of an inside out kitchen is mind blowing!❤

[@TheLocalProject]

We're so glad you loved those details, this project has a seamless indoor-outdoor flow 👏

[@keithronson2624]

Absolutely AWESOME! Yes most be one of the best properties featured on the channel. Incredible. The ethos and thought process. Design, materials and indeed a sense of fun and simply a true home. Nigh on perfect... Yes please. Paul Kennedy is a genius. Thank you for sharing with us all. Deeply appreciated. ❤

[@TheLocalProject]

It’s a joy to share these spaces with you, and we deeply appreciate your support 🙌

[@SilentSpaceDesign]

Wow, I love everything about this home. Well done to the team that created it. And what a location, too.

[@ruisaraiva551]

Trully an amazing property. Cheers from Portugal.

[@atolfree]

To live in the environment & climate around Wanaka would be a dream for me. I have visited only once in early December & really want to return. Hopefully there is space open for me in this fantastic home ! My guess is this clip was filmed in September or October going by the amount of snow? Beautiful scenery indeed!

[@Gott-liebt-Dich]

„Die Schafe folgen dem guten Hirten, denn sie kennen seine Stimme“ ein Haus eingebettet in einer Kulisse, die man Eden nennen könnte, da bekomme ich Herzklopfen weil es so surreal anziehend ist. In Liebe und Frieden aus Deutschland Danke für diesen tollen Kanal 🙏

[@wim3621]

This goes way beyond minimalism, this is integrating into the surroundings in its purest way. This is paying respect to the world around you, luxury would offend that world. What a piece of art.

[@jochen3068]

This house and this view. A dream.

[@wavewithvayu]

This is indeed a perfect spot to place a house. One day....

[@JoziGB]

Remember us when one day becomes “today”

[@wavewithvayu]

@ 🫡

[@hammurabigaming9730]

Inshallah me too it’s been my dream since December 2017 when I was 15 now I’m 22

[@kevmagill5163]

Thoughtful and emotionally stirring. Looking at those beautiful mountain vistas, I'm full of wonder. The home respests the location, but allows the location to be an integral part of the experience of this sensitive home. It's a magnificent, yet somehow humble, place to be a witness to the serene majesty of this landscape. I could never tire of the light, and inspiring views. ✌️

[@neliamattos4342]

This... in the Azores, looking on Pico island! That's my dream! Beautiful, simple and functional, yet so unique.

[@hintex487]

The design of The Shepherd's Hut truly embodies the spirit of minimalist living, blending seamlessly with its breathtaking surroundings.

[@J3an_j3an]

My jealousy wanted to hate it😅 but it was so beautiful and cosy. Lucky guy 😊

[@dongsimon8852]

fantastic view

[@markmatthews8675]

Beautiful home.. Seems to blend in nicely with the peace and serenity of its surroundings. South Island living at its finest.

[@PiefacePete46]

Congratulations... this is achingly good! The property and it's environment would take total control of my mind and moods!

[@Iamkeedrajay]

🌹 Beautiful.

[@p.a.6034]

Wow. Wow. Wow. ❤

[@Miliena31]

Pure and peaceful, i wish i could live in this house !!

[@vnkman4391]

This is one of the best. I love that they put colour in, so many are drab and this is fun, cosy and perfectly designed for its purpose. Bravo.

[@TheLocalProject]

We’re glad to hear the colour and cosiness stood out to you, it’s all about creating a space with personality 🙌

[@hintex487]

The way this home blends with its stunning surroundings truly makes it feel like part of the landscape itself. It's a perfect example of how architecture can complement nature, creating a seamless flow between indoor and outdoor spaces.

[@vnkman4391]

@@hintex487 it is

[@josepha133]

Truly outstanding.

[@gazmendhoxha2936]

Beauty house ❤

[@schwitzberger7325]

As a windsurfer and wingfoiler this seems like a dream home with a great spot for windsports

[@TimNagle]

Certified banger. 👌👌

[@diane1504]

Magic❤

[@LittleSimGoesWild]

Spectacular build👏

[@christophercassidy1075]

Beautiful. Love it. Thank you and enjoy.

[@1ndle]

Beautiful landscape. Wouldn't be suprised if LOTR was shot nearby.

[@TheLocalProject]

Absolutely! New Zealand’s landscapes truly feel like something from Middle-earth

[@nwamaduemmanuel5421]

The simplicity.🩶

[@dormidont800322]

Шикарно. Лайк🎉

[@pyeitme508]

Wow

[@jandleboilol4372]

i like to see wanaka get recognized

[@andrew4809]

Nice shed

[@dianaleventhal1729]

Im drooling! Who is the artist's work? Im obsessed

[@jackbinimbol7669]

Steel structure by Alpine Steel/ Canterbury Metalwork.

[@typhoon420]

you lucky bastard I want that house as well I’m shepherd to 😂

[@NaNi4]

wow, no words... I volunteer to be the shepherd's wife lol

[@3isamagicnumber-w5k]

good smile

[@Thisislakelifewanaka]

This home is currently for sale.

[@cameronday5957]

Can you share the listing link?

[@michaelgibson-i6b]

I noticed the listing, but no price. Anyone know the ask?

[@lizdobson9793]

@@michaelgibson-i6b By tender.

[@tanjagrafin6399]

❤

[@johnmoore333]

I wonder how often he actually gets to spend time there

[@rajeshsonkar7991]

which material is used in roofing plzz tell roofing🎉🎉🎉❤

[@hhspikkeland]

Where are the spotlights in the roof from? So elegant!

[@RukundoLove]

Perfect place for a prayer retreat 😍

[@SWSimpson]

A beautiful house and beautiful scenery. It's magical. The interior walls remind me of cheap wall paneling, but I know that isn't what it is. Maybe it's the colour? It looks like paneling. I don't care for that. But, I hate the furniture. I mean, I absolutely hate it. it looks like fabric from the 70s. It isn't colourful, as the colors are muted, and the fabric looks like it would be unpleasant to the touch. Other than those two things, I really love this house. I would be easy to feel completely alone and to forget about what is going on in the world. And, if another cataclysmic event hit the Earth, would you still exist if you lived there? Would those maintains hold and protect you or would the mountains become valleys and the valleys become mountains?

[@justaguy6862]

What a great home. So much better than those bland, shouty mcmansions in 'Merica where they live like trash.

[@BeautifuLakesStreamsBiologists]

Do people really think this blends in to the land? I would break up that straight lines with trees to obscure the view from anyone around the lake. It does appear and I hope this to be true that the window reflections were mitigated. At last that is appreciated.

[@MC2_Life]

The vegetation is currently young and the house will be fully obscured from the lake as planting reaches maturity.

[@zizoumonk10]

Where does a shepherd get that sort of money

[@dianaleventhal1729]

You can identify as anything these days 😊

[@comealongcomealong4480]

@zizoumonk10 Probably by being clever, or with specialist skills, and working in Singapore for decades. Singapore = the financial and exchange hub of the Asia/Pacific Region.

[@waimeagrl5142]

This home is almost (95%) an exact replica of a home built in Hawai’i. Different architect though.

[@erronius1]

no sound is good on this one

[@davidhunternyc1]

Beautiful home let down only by the subpar artwork and furnishings. The desire for "color" should NOT mean any color, but judicious color with integrity of form and expression. The good news is that these are easy fixes. The nouns are great. The adjectives have got to go.

[@thelalanz73]

Artwork and furnishings are personal tastes. Maybe yours is NOT it.

[@comealongcomealong4480]

​​@@thelalanz73 I agree. The owner of 'Synchronicity' explained his choice of colour well, with some "unexpected" he suggested. And then referenced all the hues of nature - the skies - in this sub-alpine setting. /David Hunter, of NYC, may not grasp all the subtleties of this location. That many of the early settlers and pasturalists from the C19th were Scottish. Feeling very much at home in this landscape and climate. Shepherds huts were dotted across large sheep stations in the South Island of NZ. Enabling flocks to be moved to new pastures. And providing shelter and warmth if the weather changed suddenly, enabling shepherds to survive.

[@flatwall4569]

Title makes no sense at all, nothing that is this platform here has any secrecy. Any person with an internet connection and his neighbour who hasn't can see it.

[@karinamaissin7890]

very bland interior..

[@ncsoftlw-zr7pk]

looks like a graveyard house

[@panadeuser]

Ooook. @architect/designer: what do you have against curves, place feels like an aggregation of sharp edges, so much dark... Bunk room is lugubrious. Dear god Also, why make your house look like a convenience store on a highway when having such an amazing spot to build it? De gustibus, I get it, but still 🤦🤷