A Good Life

Jan 18, 2016

IMG_7106 These two spunks have built their own home on Matt’s family land on the edge of Coromandel – it’s a dreamy patch of *green* with a flowing creek, abundant veggie patches and orchards. Bananas and bamboo grow in the same neighbourhood as olives, figs, apples and peaches – this places flips my climatic understanding of what plants can grow where. IMG_7129

IMG_7155

The local beach and Riley (below) one of the coolest little pups around.

IMG_7212 Caitlin is an unusually talented artist who nails anything she tries her hand to. Pottery is her main craft and she does it really well, this year she was a finalist in NZ’s Portage Awards – the most prestigious ceramics award in the country . We are very proud. You can see more of her in action here, here and here. 12274714_1056782334434453_5991776414619952530_n IMG_7076

IMG_7216Caitlin teaching Anton how it’s all done… And juggling Frida

IMG_7144 She stocks the local Driving Creek Railway, a unique mountain railway along with a working pottery and wild life sanctuary, it’s amazing. She’ll also be opening her studio up for this years Coromandel Arts Tour in April – not to be missed if you’re around that way. IMG_7085 IMG_7091 And then there’s Matt. He’s a musician and sound engineer who works with bands and a range of projects through his business Coro Sonic Lab. He also runs the Coro Summer Festival each year in their garden which is true beauty in action. Complete with compost toilets, top notch musicians and somewhere between 200-300 very, very happy people. We just happened to be there for this year’s – it looked like this… IMG_7126 12439259_10156435899725319_7633194795017751091_n 12400956_10153137650271148_5437354828453215106_n 12495047_10156435900935319_123625982069360616_n

12552616_10153863423097744_8580263321286474150_nMatt and his bloody awesome family, Pete, Anna and Vicky – we love this family.

One of the striking things about Caitlin and Matt is how they welcome people into their home *all the time*. Whether that’s us, 200 festival goers or their neighbours, there’s a lot of people care going on. IMG_7152 I once heard a saying; something about how if you have a good home, meaningful work and fulfilling relationships in your life, you’re sorted…. These guys are sorted. IMG_7125 *All festival photos are from here.]]>

your thoughts:

10 Comments

  1. Simon Blackwell

    My family and I are looking at how we can make NZ our nnew reality, and this article has just added fuel to the fire of intrigue in this beautiful country and people

    Reply
    • Hannah Moloney

      Woo hoo – good luck with making your dreams a reality Simon!

      Reply
      • imogen

        I have a ‘Caitlyn mug’ !!!
        I am from the uk but now live in NZ, when my Mum came over to visit I took her to the Coromandle and I brought a mug from the driving creek railway…. IT IS MY FAVOURITE MUG and has survived camping trips and near swipes!

        Actually my partner ask where my ‘caitlyn’ is if he is making me tea…… The word mug has been re named Caitlyn down here in Taranaki

        It looks beautiful where they are! Wonderful to hear of beautiful people doing beautiful things! x

        Reply
  2. Huia

    LOVE love love love – what a fab little write up about these beautiful folk xx

    Reply
  3. Linda Machon

    Wow. Gorgeous. Inspirational. I need to live in NZ. Most special place. So much goodness xx

    Reply
  4. Lulastic

    Ah, what inspo! As I was reading I was like… Hmmm the Coro hey… And then you mentioned the festival and I realise that this is the couple who are great friends with heaps of our friends

    Reply
    • Hannah Moloney

      Yeah – they seem to know everyone Lulastic!

      Reply
  5. Evan Hog

    Always wanted to move to NZ, atleast retire there and live happily ever after. This beautiful abode of Matt and Caitlin has given a major push the idea. Really a paradise with greenery,farm fresh veg, fruits and lots of love.

    Reply

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