Wharekauhau Country Estate
Cape Palliser

Cape Palliser Coastal Retreat

Trends International Design Awards - Bathroom of the Year 2025 / Runner Up

Nestled in the Wharekauhau Country Estate on the Wairarapa coastline, this dream home features a bathroom that balances timeless elegance with modern functionality. Designer Damian Hannah set out to create “a level of sophistication and interest” while honouring his clients’ love for natural materials.

“Our clients wanted a large walk-in shower, a bath for the whole family to enjoy, double vanity, good storage, and a bathroom that was both highly functional and aesthetically pleasing.”

Damian’s design cleverly uses space, creating a walk-in shower near the entry alcove and elevating the bath as a striking centrepiece. Rather than following the freestanding trend, he opted for a drop-in bath set on a tiled pedestal.

“I wanted to create a statement piece for the bath. The Bette One Highline gave us exactly that – a look of sophistication and elegance.”

The material palette brings warmth and texture: vivid, patterned porcelain tiles flood the space across both walls and floors, softened by the crisp white steel bath and toilet. A rustic timber veneer vanity paired with a hand-selected slab of Patagonia Quartzite completes the room, grounding it in natural beauty.

“Flooding the room with the same tile created a unique ambience, while the quartzite top tied everything together perfectly.”

An illuminated mirror finishes the space, amplifying the textures and tones throughout. The result is a bathroom that feels luxurious yet practical—an elegant retreat that reflects both designer vision and client lifestyle.