Artist Fleur Woods invites us into her charming farm cottage in Upper Moutere
Artist Fleur Woods Welcomes Us into Her Charming Farm Cottage in Upper Moutere
Artist Fleur Woods and her family reside in a charming farm cottage nestled among flowers, vineyards, orchards, hops, and creative, community-focused stores and stalls.
Who lives with you?
My husband Cam, our daughters Lily, 12, and Saffron, 10, our cats Peaches and Jess, our pup George, and our guinea pigs, bunny, and chooks.
Tell us about your home.
We moved into this lovely old farm cottage in October 2020. Rentals are scarce in our region, so we were thrilled when this opportunity arose through a friend’s family—a fortunate chain of events that will hopefully allow us to stay for a while, especially while our girls finish primary school.
Fleur loves the rustic feel of the front porch and enjoys sitting there with George the pup, looking across the lawn and garden, down to the paddocks in the valley.
What is the history here?
Our home was named Oakleigh by Austin and Helen Hyatt in 1948 after the lee of seven oaks on the property. The original part of the house was built around 100 years ago. Initially, the family farmed tobacco on some of the 15 hectares. The Hyatt family still works the land, though now it’s hundreds of acres of livestock, forestry, and hops.
Amazingly, while reading the history of the family’s time at Oakleigh, I discovered that Helen was one of the founding members of the Nelson Embroiderers’ Guild in 1978. As an embroidery artist, I like to think that Helen would be happy that we live here, even though we’re the first people outside of the family to do so, and that our mutual love of gardening and creativity would somehow get us over the line.
Describe the interiors.
We love eclectic vintage and retro styles, so living in this home that captures many eras, with everything from gorgeous 1970s wallpaper to heritage sash windows, really appeals to us and allows me to have fun with our collection of treasures.
How have you made the place your own?
We haven’t been here for long, but I’ve really enjoyed getting into the garden, discovering the beautiful old established plants, and adding more flowers. The home has a lot of original charm. This is a much-treasured family home that has been enjoyed by generations. We feel really lucky to be another chapter in its history and always want to honor its character. Even the stones in the cladding were hand-picked by Helen, so I love those kinds of connections to the area and local history.
Tell us about your embroidery art.
My work is often described as stitched painting or contemporary embroidery. I have always created using mixed media, so the embroidery evolved and became another form of mark-making for me. I create both original and commissioned pieces that are collected around the world. Plus, I teach my process in the form of workshops and a Zoom stitch club, and I offer one-of-a-kind kits for the DIYers out there. Everything that comes from my studio celebrates color, texture, and fibers and is created and curated with genuine soul.
How important are arts and crafts to your home?
They are a central feature in our home life, as my studio is based at home these days (an evolution that started in lockdown), and so there is a constant flow of domestic life, parenting, gardening, making, drinking tea and wine—all the things. Being self-employed means that work is always with me, but as an artist, I feel that even more so. It’s truly an extension of who I am and my daily life. Our aesthetic is very much arts and crafts too, so everything is truly blended.
Arts and crafts are central to the family’s home, where Fleur’s studio is also based. Her contemporary embroidery ‘stitched paintings’ hang on the wall alongside other favorite artworks.
What is your favorite thing about your home?
The porch overlooking the lawn, garden, and out to the paddocks down the valley. It has a rustic feel, sitting on the porch. I feel connected and close to everything, yet peaceful and a million miles away from the hustle.
Aside from working, I really love pottering in the garden while the kids play. In the evenings, when we’re all eating together at the long table on the lawn, overlooking the garden and the hops at golden hour, it feels like total bliss.
The rental home has been enjoyed for generations, and Fleur’s eclectic collection of thrifted and foraged finds enhances the cottage’s character elements.
What do you love about Upper Moutere?
The community. It’s such a beautiful place to live, on so many levels. We have always felt really grateful to be part of this place surrounded by vineyards, hops, orchards, and farmland. The school is amazing, our kids are happy, and we have great friends here.
What are your favorite nearby natural attractions?
Often, I take George for walks at local beaches. Kina Beach is a favorite and great for beachcombing. Our favorite family beach, near Kaiteriteri, is a magic spot for an escape from daily life—the clear, calm water and rock pools are major drawcards for me.
With Abel Tasman National Park on their doorstep, there is no shortage of stunning beaches to stroll along. Closer to home, a favorite walking and beachcombing spot for Fleur and George is Kina Beach.
What else do you enjoy nearby?
After our beach walks, George and I like to stop in at Garden House at Kina Peninsula and grab a coffee and some plants or cut flowers (Karen Gray grows and creates beautiful arrangements—her dahlias are divine) and see what new treasures they have. At Zappekin Artists & Allies, a shared studio space along The Coastal Highway, some of my favorite local artists create and sell their wares.
Which are your favorite eateries and wineries?
My daily coffee is from The Old Post Office in the village. It’s such a gorgeous spot and a real hub for the community, filled with delicious local food and artisan products. The coffee and the chats with other regulars are such a great way to start the day, plus the sticky lemon slice is next level. Tasteology, down the road, is a favorite spot for us to gather with friends. Owned by my husband and his business partner, Maria, it is truly a family business, and you’ll often find us with kids and puppies and friends in tow, enjoying platters and a Middle-Earth chardonnay or two on the lawn. In the other direction, Bloom Café in Motueka is our go-to brunch spot and is both beautiful and always delicious. The courtyard is lovely, and they also stock lovely wares from local creatives.
Fleur delights in the dahlias growing at nearby Garden House.
The area is known for its fruit stalls. What are your favorites?
In summer, there’s a fruit stall near the base of Tākaka Hill that sells fabulous watermelons, but we’re lucky to live in a rural area where lots of people grow and share their fruit and veg. My all-time favorite stall is not of the edible variety—at Country Blooms Flower Farm you can get an incredible bunch of freshly picked blooms for next to nothing.
Fleur enjoys stopping at the Garden House boutique farm store to find new additions for her own cottage garden.
Where do you like to shop for interiors?
I’m a real treasure-hunter, so I frequent the thrift shops in the region.
