The Beginning of Sage Hearth Homestead

The Beginning of Sage Hearth Homestead

The story of Sage Hearth begins quietly—inside a 100-year-old cottage captured in a set of listing photos that tugged at our hearts before we ever stepped foot inside. It wasn’t just a building; it felt like a doorway to a life we’d been inching toward for years.

And when we finally walked through the door, that feeling deepened instantly. For Ben, the age and charm of the home echoed the house he grew up in—built in the same era, carrying the same character, the same gentle wear of time. For Casey, it was the wooden floors warm underfoot, the sunlight drifting softly through the windows, and the unmistakable freshness of country air that felt exactly like the old farmhouse of her childhood. Different memories, same knowing: this place felt like home.

A Cottage With a Story

Long before it became our home, this cottage lived other lives. Once the local Bushman’s Camp and later the Mess Hall, it has stood for generations as a place of work, rest, and community. Today, it remains warm and sturdy—a three-bedroom home with beautifully preserved timber floors that continue to carry its history.

Starting with such solid bones has felt like a gift, one we’re grateful for each time we walk from room to room.

Building With Intention (and a Tight Budget)

As we settle in, our focus has been creating a home that reflects our values—slow living, cost-effective DIY, and learning as we go. We’ve chosen to work project by project, moving with care rather than rushing through renovations.

From the kitchen to the windows, each task teaches us something new and deepens our connection to this place. We’ve found that when you build slowly and intentionally, the home grows around you in a way that feels grounded and honest.

Why We Chose Sage Hearth

We were drawn here for the land, the promise, and the soul of the cottage. But it was that shared moment—when the home wrapped itself around each of our memories—that sealed it for us. This was where we wanted to build our life.

Step by step, we’re creating a space that feels deeply ours. And this is only the beginning. We can’t wait to share the progress, the challenges, and the quiet transformations still unfolding.

Follow Our Journey

#SageHearth #CottageRestoration #HomesteadJourney #DIYRenovation #OldHouseLove #SlowLiving #CostEffectiveDIY #HardWork #HomesteadNZ #Kiwihomestead

About the Authors

Casey and Ben are the team behind Sage Hearth Homestead—two hands-on, heart-led homesteaders learning as they go. Casey, who grew up on a drystock farm, blends her love of the land with her nature-based wellness work through Care by KC. Ben brings his passion for outdoors, craftsmanship, and DIY, drawing inspiration from the charm of old homes like the one he grew up in. Together they share their journey toward self-sufficiency: the wins, the challenges, and the quiet joys of building a meaningful life on their New Zealand homestead.

Location: Taupō, New Zealand

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