When Lucy Steele and her husband, Jeremy, decided to return to Kaikoura after a decade across the Tasman, they set out to create a home that reflected the region’s stunning landscapes while serving as a sanctuary for their growing family.

s 241010 escea 113517
s 241010 escea 113517

Their vision took shape when they built a new home on a sprawling five-acre block, nestled between the mountains and the sea. At the heart of it all is the Escea TFS1000 Freestanding Wood Fireplace.

A Vision for Grand Yet Inviting Spaces

After years in Australia, Lucy and Jeremy were drawn back to Kaikoura, eager to raise their children surrounded by the natural beauty and close-knit community of their hometown. They envisioned a home that would be expansive yet cosy, modern yet timeless.

s 241010 escea 113265
s 241010 escea 113265

“We wanted it to feel grand,” Lucy explains. “That’s why we added high ceilings and exposed steel portals.” The design maximises scale while capturing Kaikoura’s breathtaking views, from the rolling waves to the east to the towering mountains to the west. With Jeremy as both husband and builder, the project became a true family effort, with most trades carried out by friends and family.

Designing for Year-Round Comfort

With Kaikoura’s chilly winters, warmth was a priority in the home’s design. However, with summers offering plenty of opportunities for outdoor living, it was important to create a space that worked well in every season.

s 241010 escea 113307
s 241010 escea 113307

The Escea TFS1000 Freestanding Wood Fireplace serves as the perfect centrepiece, providing powerful heat during winter while complementing the home’s sleek, modern aesthetic year-round.

“We had a gas fireplace in our last home, and while I loved the look, this time, I wanted the warmth and feeling of a real wood fire,” says Lucy. “Winter here is so cold, and nothing compares to the crackle of real wood.”

To enhance the warmth, they installed a ducting system that channels heat from the fireplace to other parts of the house, including the kids' rooms, playroom, and office. “It’s efficient, cosy, and exactly what we needed,” Lucy adds.

A Fireplace That Combines Innovation and Design

The family was drawn to the Escea TFS1000 for its ability to blend the traditional charm of a wood fire with cutting-edge design.

“We loved the sleek look, the large glass window, and the impressive size—it immediately catches your eye when you walk into the room,” Lucy shares.

s 241010 escea 113415
s 241010 escea 113415

The fireplace sits on an extended floating hearth that runs the length of the living room, becoming a striking visual feature. LED lighting underneath the hearth casts a warm glow, while backlighting highlights the textured concrete wall behind it.

“We offset the fireplace to one side, with large windows beside it, so the flue runs parallel to the window frames. It all feels cohesive and intentional.”

A Space for Togetherness

The couple made a deliberate decision to exclude a TV from the living room, instead centring the space around the fireplace. “The fireplace is the focal point,” Lucy explains. “It feels warm and inviting—it’s really the heart of our home.”

s 241010 escea 113593
s 241010 escea 113593

Evenings often revolve around the fire. “After the kids go to bed, Jeremy and I pour a glass of wine, sit by the fire, and enjoy the home we’ve created together. In winter, the fire rarely goes out—Jeremy loads it with logs at night so it smoulders until morning, keeping the house warm even on the frostiest days.”

The fireplace has also become a beloved feature for the whole family. “Our boys love helping bring in wood,” Lucy laughs. “Though I’m sure that will wear off eventually.”

Working with Stoke

Reflecting on their experience with Stoke Christchurch, Lucy speaks highly of the process.

“The team had great communication and really understood what we wanted. We described our vision, and they suggested the TFS1000 right away. We didn’t look back—it was exactly what we were after.”

For Lucy and her family, their Kaikoura home is everything they hoped for: a perfect balance of beauty and functionality, warmth and modernity. And at its core is the Escea TFS1000 Freestanding Wood Fireplace - offering the best of both worlds.