Marina Adams jokes that if you ever want to change a lightbulb at Little Wetherby, the family’s Riversdale bach, then you should do it in the first half hour. “After that the spell of the place just settles on you and it’s all you can do to think about what you are going to have for lunch, probably followed by a nap.” By Katherine Robinson. Photos by Esther Bunning

“The Plywood Palace” as Marina affectionately calls it, is on the northern edge of Riversdale, set in eight acres bordering the Pacific. A modern build, it is most definitely a Kiwi bach right down to the well-thumbed books on the shelves and an impressive collection of paua shells.

Some houses we merely live in, others will always occupy a space in our hearts, and it’s clear Little Wetherby is the latter. There are loving touches of whimsy everywhere. A rowboat called Daisy Lou doubles as a bed, and a pirate flag flies in the teenage retreat where the kids spend rainy days watching old-fashioned videos. Driftwood lampshades and paua shells lining the bathroom walls speak of numerous walks gathering treasures from the beach. Poems are written on some of the walls.

From a distance it might look like a series of rustic outbuildings but this is clever design. The central hub provides plenty of space for families and friends to gather; but there are many private spaces too, including two of the cutest double bedroom cabins.

“That’s the magic of it. When both my sisters come with their families, there is enough room for us all to be here,” says Marina.

Marina’s “favourite place in the world” is the yoga deck set on the edge of the dunes overlooking the beach. Bean bags and deck chairs are on hand for just gazing at the view.

When Marina and her family are not in residence, the house is a holiday let. “It’s so sweet – people who come to stay often send photos or leave drawings for us – we have quite an art collection. And I like to think their kids will grow up and Little Wetherby will be part of their family’s memories too.”

Buying the bach was as serendipitous as stumbling over a perfect shell in the sand. “It was the start of the Global Financial Crisis, and really we were looking at pieces of uninhabited coastal land to build on. The agent encouraged us to at least have a look here. We liked the house but thought it would be out of our price range. We put in a bid just as tenders closed, and hey presto we were beach house owners in Riversdale.”

Quite a bit of work has gone into making Little Wetherby as comfortable as it is today, and plans for the house and garden are ongoing. Surprisingly, given the closeness to the beach, limes thrive behind a shelter belt. “I’m adding more citrus trees and will try growing avocadoes,” says Marina.

Little Wetherby is available for booking on www.holidayhouses.co.nz