A Stunning Family Retreat
Former All Black and Crusader, Israel Dagg and his wife Daisy never expected to settle in the South Island once he retired from rugby.
words: Jo Bailey images: Supplied
That all changed one day in Christchurch, when Israel’s career was nearing its end, says Daisy. “We were always going to return up north, but were sitting in town one day when Izzy said, ‘I’m really going to miss Christchurch’. I said, ‘Same’, and he said ‘Shall we stay?’ So we did.”
The Daggs had already built their first home in Northwood, but after the arrival of Arlo now five, and four-year-old Tilly, were keen to have more space for the family. “We couldn’t find a section big enough in town so started looking over the bridge and the perfect 10 acre block came up in Clarkville. As soon as we drove up the long private driveway, I said ‘that’s us’.”
The family has lived in their beautiful new architecturally designed home for 18 months, and were thrilled when it won a Gold Award for their Amberley-based builder, Keane Builders, at the recent House of the Year Awards. “It was fantastic for Chris our builders to get the highest recognition for his craftmanship.”
Daisy, who has an interior design diploma, worked with Gisborne-based friend and architect, Shane Kingsbeer to design the 486m2, four bedroom home plus children’s playroom, and study, which she describes as a modern farmhouse with coastal elements. “I grew up on a farm by the beach in Gisborne, so wanted to touch on those themes.”
The neutral interior with lots of light white walls and wood has a coastal feel, with rustic textural elements including decorative exposed Douglas Fir trusses in the expansive, sun-drenched dining and living areas, and a striking bespoke in-situ board-formed double concrete chimney, evoking a traditional farmhouse feel.
With two children, two cats and a dog, Daisy says the choice of engineered French oak hardwood flooring through most of the home apart from the bedrooms and playroom has proved inspired. “It’s a family home. We want it to be lived in, and with young children and new animals you can’t be too precious.”
The sprawling home has lots of room to host guests and entertain, both of which are important to the Daggs. “We wanted a house based around entertaining. Izzy and I don’t have family here but they visit often. At Easter we had 18 people staying. The house is great for occasions like that.”
One special feature is the ‘Dagger’s Bar’ a covered outdoor entertaining area which opens off the kitchen, complete with heating, a pizza oven, cooktop, bar, fire, and a TV for watching the big games. “We wanted a space we could use all year round. In the summer we can open it right up. It’s a fantastic area to entertain people and have parties. We use it almost more than our lounge.”
The home’s four large bedrooms are beautifully decorated in soft tones, with a pop of dusky pink on the walls in Tilly’s room, and the powder room featuring a pink sink and a stunning gold mirror with an incredible floral artwork created by Rose and White Home. “The mirror is one of my favourite pieces in the house,” says Daisy.
Muted grey tones and striking brass fittings are features of the home’s two bathrooms. Family photos adorn the hallway and some of Israel’s All Blacks memorabilia hangs in the study, highlighting the importance of whānau and celebrating achievements.
Daisy is a keen cook, and a food and lifestyle blogger, with a large following on her Instagram platform every.daysimple. The home’s stunning kitchen and large Butler’s pantry with white and wooden cabinetry are among her favourite rooms. “They are great spaces to create my recipes and store different produce and food products.”
Israel also does some work from home, as a presenter on the Izzy and Kempy for Breakfast radio show with former New Zealand rugby league player and Warriors’ coach, Tony Kemp. “Izzy uses the pool house as his radio office, and literally has a 10 metre walk to work in the morning.”
All the north facing rooms feature generous glazing, which open onto extensive decking and a paved area which wraps around a large solar-heated swimming pool and spa area. “The children learnt to swim last summer and spent nearly every day in the pool,” says Daisy.
Landscaping is progressing, with lots of delicious produce already being harvested from the Dagg’s tunnel house and raised vegetable beds. With a hot summer predicted, the Daggs are looking forward to lots of opportunities to host and entertain whānau and friends in the stunning family retreat they have created in North Canterbury.