Luxurious life

After three decades of the Auckland rat-race, a move to the South Island has sprouted a new home, business and growth opportunity.

80 picturesque acres of farmland bordering the Cardrona River were purchased when the Morris farm was subdivided, soaking up majestic mountain views and finding itself renamed Cardrona Terrace Estate. The deer farm was originally destined to be transformed into an economic unit and the growing of grapes, sunflowers and herbs was investigated. In 1998 they decided to build a lodge and vineyard and share the magic of the environment with others.

Many handmade models later, and the heart and soul of the local architect enlisted to bring the dream to life, a New Zealand home with a distinctly Italian undercurrent came to fruition as Villa Zingara – a place for weary travellers to replenish their souls. The home was joined by a vineyard, which, following a 50% crop loss in the first year, a steep learning curve and the initial ravages of nature, will see the first harvest in 2005.

Funding for the project came to a halt with the breaking news of 9/11 forcing the sale of 32 acres from the front of the section to finance the development of the rear portion. The exterior look of exposed aggregate manufactured in Ashburton using South Canterbury river stones, copper roofing, spouting and outdoor lights blends the house into the environment with ease. Tilt slab was selected as the preferred construction method for its environmentally stable properties, the 250mm walls keeping the lodge warm in winter and cool in summer. Careful landscaping including a courtyard of Alexandra schist and a water feature depicting a mountain stream with keas provides a popular photographic backdrop for weddings and a popular resting place for wedding guests.

Inside is equally stunning with hues of Resene Canterbury Clay (muted French beige) in the atrium making way to Resene Raspberry (berry red) in the bar and the equally vibrant Resene Hot Chile (deep red) in the kitchen. Five guest bedrooms named for the aromatic or culinary herbs grown on the property are designed in the colours of the individual tribal rugs on the wooden Kahrs floor. The Resene Coriander (muted herbal green) suite is spacious, opulent and ideal for honeymooners with balconies opening up for unobstructed views North and West. Downstairs in the dining area, Resene Manuka Honey (soft ochre) was picked out from the large Baghdad rug on the Italian tile floor. All of this colour is joined by equally meticulous selection of everything from appliances to linens to ensure all elements work seamlessly as one.

Plan your estate escape at www.cardronaterrace.com.

Architect: Sarah Scott, Wanaka
Building Contractor: Breen Construction Co Ltd, Alexandra
Painting Contractor: Pitches and Whyte
Resene: Annette Gin, Queenstown Sales Representative
From the Resene News – issue 2/2005

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