Kyllee King-Turner
Seymour Loves Doris
Samantha Venning
Venning Property
The Wanaka Tree Escape — A Calm, Considered Retreat for Modern Family Life
In the heart of Wanaka’s wild alpine beauty, a recently completed holiday home blends soul-soothing serenity with a rugged, family-ready practicality. Designed as both a private retreat and an inspiring stay for holiday guests, this space is the result of a deeply considered collaboration between Interior Designer Kyllee King-Turner of Seymour Loves Doris and Samantha Venning, a seasoned Airbnb stylist and project lead.
The Brief: A Refuge That Feels Like Home
The client, a former local now based in California, sought a holiday home that could become a grounding refuge for her family while functioning as a high-quality holiday let. Her brief was clear: neutral, natural, and full of tactile depth — something her children would love and that would also reflect the unique character of Central Otago.
Kyllee & Sam worked together on the concept and creative direction, producing warm, layered mood boards that immediately resonated. Inspired by the dramatic peaks, lake shores, and open skies of the region, their aesthetic leaned into calming textures, rounded silhouettes, and a muted palette drawn straight from the surrounding landscape.
Furnished by Hawthorne: A Natural Choice
From the outset, Hawthorne was the team’s go-to partner for furniture. With its neutral tones, tactile materials, and mix of timeless solidity and contemporary edge, the Hawthorne aesthetic aligned seamlessly with the project vision.
The team selected solid, statement-making anchor pieces — dining tables, bed frames, and sofas built to last and live in. These were complemented by a carefully curated mix of linen cushions, wool throws, NZ-made rugs, and natural timber accents. Each selection was chosen to bring a lived-in softness and a sense of belonging, without sacrificing the hardwearing qualities required of a well-used family holiday home and luxury holiday let.
Every Detail, Considered
Their layered styling approach was evident in every space — books relevant to the region, handcrafted ceramics, and local artworks were used to create pockets of quiet interest throughout. Photographic prints by Alex & Sony featuring the “Lonely Willow” and Clay Cliffs brought drama and place-specific poetry to the home.
Shipping challenges, the sheer volume of product required, and the remote location all added to the complexity. But thanks to Sam’s extensive experience setting up short-term rentals, the project was brought together seamlessly over the course of three months, from concept to completion.
The Result: A Holiday Home That Captures the Spirit of Wanaka
The client was blown away by the finished result. Her children adored the thoughtful touches just for them; she loved the authenticity, the restraint, and the harmony of it all. “It’s full of things we haven’t seen before,” she shared. “It feels like home — just better.”
Since completion, the home has already hosted delighted guests and sparked new collaborations for Kyllee and Sam — including boutique apartments and luxury suites in Wellington.
The Wanaka Tree Escape now stands as a testament to intuitive design, creative partnership, and the power of furnishing with intention — a true showcase of what’s possible when thoughtful design meets the right products and people.
Experience the Wanaka Tree Escape for yourself.
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