One of the wonderful things about living in New Zealand is its proximity to the beach, as the vast majority of the population lives less than an hour from the coast and despite this accessibility, being able to spend time is not taken for granted. on the beach. Particularly during the summer holiday season you will find a huge exodus from the towns and cities towards the coast where people choose to spend their holidays enjoying all that the beach has to offer, and it is this affinity that drives many of us to build a vacation home where we can go take a break.

If you have chosen to build a bach as your vacation spot, here are some great ideas to incorporate:

Green and self-sufficient options

You don’t typically use your bach every weekend, and often only during the hot summer months, so incorporating solar panels and a water tank will help keep running costs down. Also, depending on the location of the property tank, water may be your only option, so if you have already accounted for this in your design, this will not become an issue.

Low maintenance

Keep your building materials as low-maintenance as possible to avoid having to spend your vacation working around the house. Your architect will be able to give you good advice on what materials will suit the beachside location and the style of the building. The materials used in the interior will also have a big impact on the property and it is recommended that hard surfaces be used in most, if not all, of the building, especially in the beachside location.

Mod cons

If the property is going to be rented out or used by friends and family, having separate areas that offer some privacy is a great option. Having a large common kitchen with plenty of space to prepare meals is a great idea, as is having a private bathroom for each of the bedrooms. This gives everyone privacy and helps with those mornings when everyone is trying to shower. The incorporation of an outdoor shower is essential in a bach located next to the beach, you will not regret it.

Security

Although it’s something we don’t like, thinking about keeping your bach safe and secure is essential to prevent opportunists from taking advantage of the sometimes infrequent occupancy. There are many great options available including sliding or canopy walls that, when closed, can completely seal off the building when not in use. Choosing a keyboard entry will also allow you to change the code on a regular basis and avoid the need for keys. This is a great option if you are renting the property.