A New Vision of Old Hawaii
The mystical magic of old Hawai‘i is found at Tara Plantation in Papa‘a Bay on the Northeastern coast of Kaua‘i, and even the most sophisticated camera cannot capture its aura. You must see it to believe and appreciate the sheer beauty, elegant simplicity and expansiveness of this plantation-style ranch, once described by an awe-struck visitor as a place that felt like “sumptuous melting chocolate” to be tasted and slowly savored.

A stately, palatial, yet unpretentious dream home Tara Plantation is set against a backdrop of lush flora and fauna. Panoramic views of the majestic crescent-shaped cove of white sandy beach give way to vistas of the pristine Pacific. The property is nestled within a gently sloping valley, discreetly hidden from the main highway..  The directors of Six Days, Seven Nights chose this stretch of beach for dramatic scenes of the movie starring Ann Heche and Harrison Ford.

The two-mile drive from the dramatic gateway to the port cochere of the 18,000 square foot home is just the beginning of a glorious experience, eclipsed by fenced pastures and a stream that transforms to a natural waterfall, compelling a brief stop to gaze at a natural wonder that leads to a simple yet scintillating structure, reflecting Hawai‘i’s old plantation days.

The main home -- fashioned by London-born architect Alwyn Trigg-Smith and interior designer Waldo Fernandez of California -- is a two-story work of art inside and out, encompassing Polynesian openness on 174 acres of fairytale-emerald green surroundings. The home is protected by covered, ocean-facing wraparound länais constructed of ipe, along with impressive floor-to-ceiling sliding door systems that comprise screens, glass, and shutters. These are stacked to create vast openings along the ocean view sides of the buildings.  In addition to the main house, the estate also boasts a secluded pool and Jacuzzi; two 4,000 square foot guest cottages; a yoga house; tennis court; a ranch manager’s home; and work buildings.

“This home is the Nth degree of detail,” says Trigg-Smith, as he glides one of the door systems effortlessly with a single finger. He describes such refinements as sculpted grass on the private drive, carefully manicured lawns, and flagstaff walkways that lead to a wealth of secluded entertainment environs. He decided on board and batten siding for all exteriors and an aluminum standing seam roof system instead of the original plan for a corrugated roof, Aluminum is more modern, but substantially stronger while remaining faithful to the plantation style. The corbels and railings form a strong counterpoint to the basic lines of the structure.

Trigg, as he is known by clients and colleagues, was educated in Scotland and at Columbia University, honing his talents at architectural firms in California and Australia before opening his own practice 20 years ago. He settled in Hawai‘i in the late 1980s. He is known for combining the best of contemporary international design motifs with a tropical style.

“The cottages, painted ‘Hanalei Green’ with accents of white trim, are carefully placed along the conservation line, and mold into the hillsides for a feel that is both separate and connected,” Trigg comments. “They are sited between groups of trees that maximize views across a vast meadow, making them invisible from the main house and from each other.”  Connected by golf paths and walkways between the main home and the yoga house, each cottage offers privacy and independence.

The main home sits snugly in the hillside at the very end of the meadow and optimizess both ocean and pasture views. Angled to receive maximum trade winds, the interior space pull the trades inward, with windows and doors designed to open up to the views and embrace the tropical landscaping. The original landscape design was created and implemented by Greg Boyer of Hawaiian Landscapes, Inc.

Both the cottages and the luxury home feature double-pitched roofs to create high interior volumes and artfully enclose exterior länai spaces. By using outrigger beams to spread the roof form, the länais open the interior spaces to the outside. Roof gables admit plentiful natural light into the interior.

An understanding of ventilation, insulation and acoustical requirements dictated interior spaces and volumes. “The owners understood my concern with the harshness of the salt air,” says Trigg. “The deep roof overhangs lengthened by the outriggers provide shade for outdoor living and decrease the wall exposure to weather.”

Trigg says his intent was to design a strong architectural statement, befitting the site while creating both an environmentally sound as well as a visually appealing structure. The owners were instrumental in giving both Trigg and Waldo the direction for carrying out their ideas to accept the historical aspects of plantation style dwelling with functional amenities such as a backup generator, two water tanks and a well.

Waldo Fernandez worked closely with the owner to ensure craftsman style detailing as interior hallmarks, both at the main ranch home and at the guest homes. “The guest cottages mirror the main home,” says Fernandez. “In fact, it is almost an understatement to call them cottages, because they are so elegant.

Each ‘cottage’ has two bedrooms separated by a living area and mini-kitchen with chilling drawers.”

At Tara, the feel and tone continue on a more grand level with tongue and groove paneling, paneled wainscots, teak doors, and wide blade shutters, balanced with Brazilian cherry and mahogany flooring, high coffer ceilings and enclosed surround-sound entertainment centers with hidden remote controls. The 2,000 square foot living room and adjacent dining area offer a totally open feeling with plush, over-sized sofas and chairs that encourage deep relaxation. The kitchen is functional and elegant at once, with industrial quality appliances including four sub-zero refrigerators, chilling drawers and Staturio marble counter tops. A more casual dining area just off the kitchen seats ten and a spacious laundry room is tucked away behind louvered doors.

As you climb the 19 steps to the second level, each step meticulously covered with protective hemp, you encounter a wide hallway that separates three guest room suites from the master bedroom with his and her private baths and dressing rooms. Exotic coconut wood, seating areas and private office space, open out to additional wraparound länais with a private spa for the ultimate in private relaxation. The master suite holds a replica of a 19th century four post bed featured at the Bishop Museum incorporating intricate carvings in the bedposts. 

Refined, radiant and resplendent, Tara ensures opulence and privacy while exuded a sense of authority, suitable for a discriminating and influential owner with a sense of pride and place. 

“With a total of six bedrooms and eight baths, it’s like having your own kingdom,” says Barbara Sloan, one of three realtors representing the property. “Truly, there is no other piece of real estate on island that is quite so commanding and dominant in such a quiet yet energizing way.”

He also said "This house is built as one would build a boat" (with regard to the detail that went into weather-proofing)

Waldo's comments are limited to "amazing and spiritual" and his personal love for Kauai. Nothing much to say about the specifics of his interior design choices other than the fact that he works and socializes with the owner (who does not want his name mentioned, by the way) and he knew exactly what Peter wanted--"Grand old Hawaiian style with modern amenities that blended well."

Not sure if that's the kind of thing you want or just straght info  If you run the picture of the four post bed, you may mention that it's a repica of the royal bed from Iolani Palace, the official residence of the Hawaiian Kingdom's last two monarchs -- King Kalakaua, who built the Palace in 1882, and his sister and successor, Queen Lili`uokalani.  During the monarchy period, the Palace was the center of social and political activity in the Kingdom of Hawai`i.

Also, the entire home has steel beams and recessed coffer ceilings that hide the beams.  According to Barbara Sloan, it's the largest home on Kauai.  FYI, All the shuttered doors that lead to the länais are 22 feet wide . All the woods were carefully chosen to reflect old Hawaii but always keeping in mind the harshness of the salt-laden air. Trigg chose ipe wood for the lanais because of its durability and termite-resistsance.  In  that one photo of the lanai with ocean view, you'll see a light fixture on the massive post. It is made of bamboo.