Alpine Village In The Mountains
Nov 3, 2022
If your dream is to enjoy an adventurous outdoors lifestyle while living in a European-style alpine village, then look no further.
Mt Cardrona Station’s master-planned community is coming to life on a sunny, wide open and secluded plateau high above the valley floor in the magnificent Cardrona Valley.
It’s in a premium location with the quaint Cardrona Village just moments away, world-class ski areas on the doorstep and walking, hiking and biking trails on the station land itself.
It’s a short drive to the bars, restaurants and lakeside activities of Wanaka, or grape-laden vineyards famous for their outstanding Central Otago Pinot Noir.
It almost sounds too good to be true. But it’s not, as many buyers from around New Zealand and Australia can attest. The unique village is a New Zealand ‘first’, with just 29ha of 400ha of station land being developed, and Station Development Manager Tom Morton is proud to say that 55% of released lots have already sold.
Heart of the community
Every village needs its focal point, a community hub where owners come together to connect, bring their guests, and to play.
At Mt Cardrona Station that’s The Homestead, a landmark 1350sqm building promising to be a destination in its own right.
The Homestead will give owners access to resort-style facilities all year round. Sophisticated dining, meeting, and health and wellness features will complement its extraordinary natural location, overlooking a tarn (small mountain lake) with breath-taking views of valley and mountains.
It's one of the many benefits for those who buy into this $650m development. Homeowners have an exclusive ‘right to roam’ over 370ha of station land, accessed by 30km of hiking and biking trails designed by the legendary Tom Hey, the visionary and builder behind some of the world’s most famous trails.
Owners can walk for five minutes to get a coffee, or wander the trails for hours.
But the Homestead will keep drawing them back. From watching a game in the members-only club room to a long lunch on the deck overlooking the patio, this is where a community comes to life.
Think après ski – a soak in the hot pools after time on the slopes and a drink with friends to exchange powder day stories. Connecting over a coffee or a workout in the gym before using the meeting facilities.
Contemporary and bold
The Homestead is a series of four long, low buildings which seamlessly connect. While contemporary in look and style, it evokes the high-country buildings unique to Central Otago.
Like many utilitarian rural buildings that weather the passage of time, The Homestead will be a symphony of raw materials, including corten steel, unfinished timber, stone, glass and concrete.
“You won’t find paint or plasterboard in this building,” says Luke Leuschke of prominent architectural firm Leuschke Group Architects.
“The challenge was to capture the essence of yesterday with the needs of today and into the future.
“Thermal performance, keeping the building cool in summer yet warm in winter, was high on our list of design priorities, incorporating the use of ground source heat and other sustainability measures.”
Mt Cardrona Station is working towards the highest possible 6-star Green Star rating, representing world leadership in a building’s performance and environmental impact, and making it a leader in sustainability.
Sun, privacy, panoramic views
“What sets Mt Cardrona Station apart from any other development in the country is the scale of open spaces married with the quality of our urban and architectural designs, landscapers and facilities,” says director and owner Chris Morton.
“Connection to views, open spaces and natural vegetation is central to the design ethos, interlacing strong references to Central Otago’s rich pioneering history.”
Homeowners have the flexibility of buying ‘land only’ sites and designing their own home or using one of three concept designs from Leuschke Group and Baxter Design.
The four neighbourhoods currently available have an offer to suit everyone. Each neighbourhood maximises sun, privacy and panoramic views.
Exclusive land-only sites are still available for a discerning buyer who wants to create their statement home using an architect of their choice within the premium Walter Little neighbourhood. Rich in heritage and sweeping views, Walter Little’s elevated position offers unobstructed mountain views and the lowest density lots in the station. Only a few of these special lots are available, appealing to buyers looking to create a legacy property for extended family.
The latest village neighbourhood on the market is The Ridges. Its smaller, easy-to-manage site options are suitable for low-maintenance, ski chalet-type properties. Ten out of 11 sites at Enright Ridge have already sold.
Just being released to market are nine sections at Anderson’s Ridge. Brothers Eric and Morris Anderson forged their connection to the Cardrona Valley through ownership of prominent land including Branch Creek, which is still under their tenure.
Wanaka’s CDL Building will be the building partner for home and land packages at the station. Owner Justin Carnie and his team are multi-award-winning, renowned for impressive, inspiring residences.
“We’re incredibly proud of what we’re creating at Mt Cardrona Station so feel free to get in touch for a brochure, project updates or to arrange a site visit,” says Chris.