Very few of us can deny, the past couple of years have been a poignant reminder to refocus on wellbeing and truly appreciate this beautiful slice of the world we’re fortunate enough to live in. Chris Morton, however, is a man who didn’t need reminding.
An internationally-celebrated photographer, skier, mountaineer and seasoned developer, Chris has lived a life celebrating the beauty of the world around him and this passion permeates Chris and co-owner Andrew Spencer’s breathtaking new project, Mt Cardrona Station.
Mt Cardrona Station is a first for New Zealand, a unique village where a small portion of the beautiful alpine station is being developed with an exclusive ‘right to roam’ over the remainder of the station. 30km of trails designed by a world-class trail builder are planned and will open up this incredible area for walking, hiking and biking at all levels.
“What truly sets it apart is the sheer scale of open spaces and facilities,” says Morton, who has had the vision for the land since 2006.
“Putting it in context, we’re developing just 29 hectares in 400 hectares of open space. Property owners can walk for five minutes for a coffee, or for four hours to the other end of the station.”
“The high country setting certainly makes it unique, married with the quality of our overarching urban designs, architectural designs, the landscape and our facilities.”
It is a rare opportunity to live or stay this close to ski fields anywhere in New Zealand, let alone the iconic fields Cardrona offers. The village is set just below Cardrona Alpine Resort and Soho Basin, a mere 12 minutes’ drive from the Valley View lift. Snow Farm is also right on the doorstep, and Treble Cone and Coronet Peak are within easy reach.
Morton contends everything about the $650 million development is meticulously designed as ‘mountain basecamp’ for an adventurous outdoors lifestyle, and it comes with everything you’d expect of a world-class resort. Understandably sales have been strong since the first sites became available late last year.
Central to the village is the beautifully designed Homestead building overlooking a mountain tarn and with 360-degree views. It features the Adventure Centre with a gym and workout spaces, remote working and meeting facilities, a restaurant, hot pools, swimming pool, a stylish members-only Club Room and a ski and bike workshop. Ski area transfers will be on offer throughout winter.
The village offers a wide range of living densities for both permanent and holiday residences with the flagship being the Walter Little neighbourhood. Rich in heritage and boasting sweeping views, Walter Little is limited to just nine elevated sites of 800 square metres. These coveted positions within the station’s northern precinct maximise the stunning scenery while also being situated close to the conveniences of the village.
Walter Little presents unobstructed views up to the Mt Cardrona Range, easy access to trails and the lowest density lots in the station. Design guidelines allow for large single-level homes and for owners to work with an architect and builder of their choice. Walter Little is an ideal place to build your modern rural dream and celebrate the surrounding and community just as Chris and Andrew have envisioned.
“Up on this stunning alpine plateau, you’re genuinely aware of each season, the changing colours and subtle hues of the landscape. Kids will love finding and making their ‘own’ places and going exploring. We’ve spent so much time getting this just right, and we’re all very proud to launch Mt Cardrona Station and have such an outstanding response from the outset.”
