The end of the lockdown is in sight, and many Kiwis right now are drawing up a lists of treats to buy come April 28. For some, a luxury home could be top of the list. OneRoof has searched its listings and selected some the best-looking homes on the market, from a Queenstown lodge to a modern Georgian pile in rural New Zealand. All boast OneRoof's new virtual viewing function that allows browsers to get better look at the property they are interested in - either through 3D walkthroughs or video tours.
Lake Wakatipu
Ray White agent Bas Smith says most of the homeowners in Queenstown's Wyuna Preserve are “high net worth” global citizens.
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The luxury lodge at 54 Twin Peak View, Glenorchy, could be an opportunity to join them. The 1074sqm four-bedroom home sits on 3ha overlooking Lake Wakatipu and has an asking price of $25 million.
According to the listing, it comes with 4.5 bathrooms, an executive office, a five-car garage, a games room, an industrial-styled bar, a cinema and a wellness area.
Smith recently sold the 257ha Arcadia Station in nearby Paradise Valley, described by Lord of the Rings actor Sir Ian McKellen as his favourite. He says 54 Twin Peak View is an "outstanding" opportunity: “It is one of the last locations on the shores of Lake Wakatipu that will ever become available for sale."
He adds that the owners, who live outside New Zealand, have a resource consent in place to allow the home to be used as overnight luxury accommodation for 365 days per year. “This in turn allows the property to be rated as commercial visitor accommodation and also means that the home is no longer captured by the foreign buyer ban which prevents foreigners from purchasing NZ residential real estate," he says.
“For anyone who wants a bolt hole in New Zealand that sits within a secure gated community in what is often said to be one of the most incredibly beautiful places in the world.” he says.
Sunshine Bay
If $25 million is too steep, perhaps consider 181 Port Underwood Road, in Marlborough Sound's Sunshine Bay.
The six-bedroom home on a 2025sqm section has an asking price of $3.2m and can be accessed either by car or by boat.
Bayleys agent Jeremy Ryan says the house has been specifically designed to entertain.
"The entrance level of the home is dedicated to living space and entertaining designed to take in the magnificent vista. The level above is a complete suite enjoying its own living area, master bedroom, expansive ensuite and walk-in wardrobe, tiled balcony plus a beautiful rooftop spa and atrium," he says.
“Swim, fish and kayak right from your own private beach, store the water toys in the boat shed and take advantage of the mooring and jetty."
The 554sqm home has two kitchens, five bathrooms and a great outdoor area facing the Sounds.
Canterbury estate
If heritage-style is more your thing, then Bayleys agent Chris Jones has just the house for you.
Jones is marketing a beautiful Georgian-style mansion on a 44.5ha lifestyle block outside Christchurch.
The home, which has had input from a restoration architect who is reputedly one of the Queen's favourites, comes with its own "castle" tower, six-bedrooms and five bathrooms.
A crisp white exterior, polished front yard and private garden set the scene, while the interior, Jones says, "is all about restrained detail, with an executive kitchen, dining area, multiple living spaces, library and gymnasium ensuring this home is about much more than beautiful spaces".
The house is for sale by price by negotiation.
Whangarei icon
The renovated kauri villa at 11 Kowhai Park Road, Whangarei, is another large heritage-style home and the agents marketing it safely describe it as iconic.
An original Kowhai Park homestead constructed in 1910s and sitting on a 1530sq m section, the property has been modernised, repiled, rewired and insulated but still maintains its original charm.
Ray White agents Zoltan Waxman and Devon Cameron say the house boasts "six bedrooms, a study, three bathrooms and three living areas, including a family room, separate formal lounge and a dining room".
The villa, which has a CV of $878,000, is for sale by negotiation.
Point Wells
Point Wells, north of Auckland, has this four-bedroom, modern home for sale. 9 Sandpiper Avenue provides country-style living close the ocean and is for sale for $1.895 million.
Built in 2010s, the house has a separate upstairs guest studio with separate entrance, a master bedroom, two double bedrooms, a lounge with a fireplace and a separate laundry.
Precision Real Estate agent Di Balich says the property would suit buyers wanting to live a quiet and easy-care lifestyle.
“If you are looking to escape the noise, traffic and congestion of the city and are not ready for retirement village living - this is a must view property and is sure to steal your heart,” she says.
