Phil Armstrong and Annie Wills with Bam-Bam. Lime wash can be used to lighten cork. A giant chandelier commands attention in the living area, while Billy, a former member of the Whangaripo family’s buffalo herd, looks on.

Ridged cork panels on the side of the house are called ‘bar code’. There are two slightly odd things you notice when driving up Phil Armstrong and Annie Wills’ rural farm driveway. First, that’s not a herd of dairy cows grazing their paddocks, but around 40 huge black buffalo.

And second, what appears to be an old wooden farmhouse turns out to be a bra...

Enter your login details below or . Your password was incorrect, please try again. Please enter your username or email address.

You will receive an email message with instructions on how to reset your password. We’ve created you a new account with a temporary password. You’re logged in and ready to go! To update your password head over to the page.

Forgot password? By continuing you agree to our and.