established in 1995

Kumiko’s was built in 1995 by Waipara wine pioneer Russell Black for his wife Kumiko.

Kumiko’s was purchased in 2018 by Paul and Sue, your hosts, who have extensively renovated and upgraded the property since taking ownership, while staying true to the intent of the design.

Influenced by Kumiko’s heritage, the house comprises many of the elements found in the gracious architecture of traditional Japan:

an internal courtyard (genken) featuring the timeless composition of a zen garden
wide verandas designed for sitting within nature
interior spaces that include the extensive use of wood and stone; sliding screens that divide or expand spaces
a sunken dining room that encourages a sense of occasion at the table; and extensive architectural gardens that reflect the dramatic views of the shifting North Canterbury skies.

Kumiko’s is imbued with an overall sense of wabi-sabi, the Japanese design concept that can be loosely translated as the celebration of “perfect imperfection.”

Wabi-sabi favours the handmade, the crafted, the bespoke, the tactile, the sensory. It is the impulse behind the beautiful design inherent here.

Sue and Paul have also added to the accommodation offering by building 3 bespoke off-grid cabins completely separate from Kumiko’s Guest House, which can be booked separately or in conjunction with the house for larger groups.

We look forward to your stay.