New Zealanders have a reputation for their No 8 wire mentality – give them a piece of this hardy fencing material and they can do anything. It could be said that Peter Brown, raised on an Ohakune farm, has taken the concept way beyond the norm.
However, he has used a great deal more than No 8 wire to get him from the milking shed to his Northland paradise on Russell Rd just north of Hikurangi.
Owner of The Gallery and Café just 14 kilometres off State Hwy 1, Peter has not only established an acclaimed rural art gallery in an exceptional part of the land but has carved out a tropical Eden from his 25 acres of land.
“After returning to New Zealand in early 1990s, I purchased 220 acres of Russell Rd land with an existing restaurant and home. In 1997 I sold most of the property, retaining just 25 bare acres where I’ve been lucky enough to follow my instincts for art and gardening.”
Now, while shearing may be an art in itself, Peter has always had an eye for natural beauty and among the unusual items he has brought from overseas are alder, juniper and oak from Norway– most destined for his workshop. In addition, he also brought back a feel for the style and tranquility of Balinese gardens.
Of course, The Gallery is also home to a diverse range of artworks including jewellery, pottery, ceramics, oils and watercolours, copperwork, glass and many other mediums. And one could say the adjoining Café is home to its own artworks – mouth-watering masterpieces from the European kitchen of Julia and Uwe (see story opposite page).
Definitely a place worth visiting, this property is a magnet for both art and garden lovers. Living above the gallery where his home enjoys extraordinary views across, hill, dale and native bush to the sea, Peter is not a man to waste words. His constant companions are two very big and very black Newfoundland dogs, Bjorn and Wolf.
Most days he works the land yet he remains modest about the priceless ambience he has, and is still, creating. It is obvious that Peter loves his gallery and garden creation – visitors do too and so did I.
