Wānaka farm 'once-in-a-century' opportunity

For the first time in more than 100 years, an impressive legacy estate elevated above the shores of Lake Wānaka is being offered for sale.

Bayleys brokers say it is a unique and privileged opportunity as the long-standing custodians now seek new stewards for the exclusive property.

Once part of the Wānaka Station—a vast farmland extending from Albert Burn on Lake Wānaka to halfway up the Cardrona Valley and towards Cromwell—the 34.43ha known as Barn Pinch was eventually transferred to Jill Blennerhassett in 1960, a descendant of Wānaka philanthropists, Sir Percy and Lady Lucy Sargood.

Over the next 60 years, Jill and her husband, John, undertook extensive conservation efforts on the land while creating a lodge-style homestead and family compound with a selection of historic outbuildings that serve as guest accommodations.

Barn Pinch also sustains the popular Olive Grove wedding and events site and a Te Kākano Nursery.

Bayleys Canterbury’s Graeme Donaldson says the extraordinary property at 280 Wānaka-Mount Aspiring Road boasts scale and a rich local history, offering a home, potential income, and lifestyle opportunity.

Donaldson is marketing the property for sale by tender process with Bayleys Canterbury colleagues Jesse Paenga and William Wallace, closing at 4:00 pm on Tuesday, 8th October 2024 (unless sold prior).

“Backdropped by the impressive Southern Alps, with expansive views overlooking Lake Wānaka, Barn Pinch Farm is one of New Zealand’s finest legacy estates, set within a world-class natural environment.

“Positioned next to one of the region’s oldest vineyards – Rippon – the property boasts gently rolling meadows adorned with copper beech, eucalyptus and rhododendrons, framing a picturesque setting superbly positioned 10 minutes from the Wānaka Town Centre,” he says.

“The main homestead features two bedrooms, two living areas, three bathrooms, two self-contained sleepouts and a courtyard garden.

“The compound includes a swimming pool and pergola, tennis court and grandstand, double-car garage, and loft office – all gaining 360-degree views of the surrounding landscape.”

Another two-bedroom dwelling, affectionately known as ‘Billie’s Cottage,’ offers views of the Lake and Ruby Island, with the surrounding natural beauty making this a serene retreat.

Auxiliary structures include open bay storage sheds and ‘Bob’s Hut’, a former pumphouse that had previously tapped into an artesian well.

Northwest of the homestead, olive trees frame the Olive Grove – one of the region’s most popular boutique wedding venues favoured for nuptials by iconic New Zealanders, including All Blacks legend Richie McCaw and wife Gemma Flynn.

The property’s eastern flank is dedicated to conservation and biodiversity efforts, with a Queen Elizabeth II (QEII) Covenant and Te Kākano Nursery contributing to the land’s preservation.

The brokers say Wānaka’s population is projected to grow, bolstered by a resurgence in tourism.

“The region’s status as a year-round adventure destination attracts international visitors, who are drawn to activities like hiking, mountain biking, snow sports, mountaineering, rock climbing, fishing, jet boating, kayaking, golf, winery tours, sightseeing, scenic flights and glacier landings.

“Wānaka continues to attract high-value visitors, and Barn Pinch is superbly positioned to benefit from sustainable development should a new owner wish to realise the property’s potential as boutique accommodation or pursue other commercial possibilities.

“This rare heritage property offers an exceptional lifestyle opportunity for a private owner. With preservation efforts and the captivating Olive Grove enhancing its appeal, Barn Pinch stands as a true legacy where families can gather for generations to come,” they say.

- Supplied by Bayleys