The Homestead Tour

The Homestead is a historic 10 acre private estate on iconic Lake Hayes, Queenstown.

The entrance road used to be the landing strip for the farm, and through spring and summer wild flowers lead you down towards Lake Hayes.

The property has over two hundred listed heritage trees and 100 plus year old Giant Wellingtonia line The Avenue to the property.

with dandelion sculptures and beautiful views over the lake.

A winding path leads you across manicured lawns and through two lovely old cherry blossom trees to the original front door.

The historic Homestead was built in 1909.

The welcome palm was planted at the same time as a location marker to help visitors find the new home.

The loving and intricate restoration, including extensive modern additions, was completed in 2018.

The veranda was fully reinstated and restored using old photos from the museum.

Quatrefoil tiles were laid to echo the original timber detailing on the house gables.

The veranda is a favourite all year round spot to enjoy the rising morning sun

and to watch the rowers and paddle boarders throughout the day, on sparkling Lake Hayes.

There are multiple seating areas with tables for a cup of coffee or a glass of wine.

The original front door and hardware were retained and restored.

The wide entrance lobby is filled with art from New Zealand and overseas.

There is a cloakroom with sun hats for guests underneath the Central Otago sun.

The art works in the WC feature the Hong Kong and Singapore skylines where the owners lived and worked for 20 years.

The garden room is filled with sunshine all year round and opens to the northern courtyard, pool, petanque court and croquet lawn.

The large comfy sofa and sheepskin bean bag in front of the woodburner are the perfect spot to relax in front of the TV. Sky, Netflix and Apple TV are available.

There is also a bar area with an Eames chair and bubble chair for reading.

There is a large window seat with views over the gardens to Lake Hayes. The drawers are full of games and jigsaws.

The library is a perfect spot to sit and admire the view

and in the evening the leather chairs by the fire are the perfect spot for long chats over a whisky.

The whisky bar is well stocked and guests are welcome to pour themselves a “wee dram".

The library shelves are stacked with books which guests are welcome to enjoy.

The marble dining table sits under a beautiful Pear chandelier from Ochre in London.

Guests are comfortably seated in large chairs that have blush linen slip covers through spring and summer

and navy velvet fixed covers through autumn and winter. The Chinese cabinet holds Burleigh crockery from England.

The dining area is surrounded with art from the UK, China and New Zealand.

The large kitchen is a chef’s dream with an Aga oven and range cooker.

There is also a breakfast bar with Nespresso, toaster, microwave and TV that can be closed off and hidden.

There are two side by side large fridge freezers plus an additional wine fridge to ensure that you can be fully stocked for entertaining.

There are marble tops throughout the kitchen and the architect named the super-sized island “the altar” as guests gather round to socialise with the chef while meals are prepared.

The Great Room is flooded with light through the large skylight above

and opens up to the veranda and front lawns beyond,

with stunning views over the lake and mountains.

The acoustics are fantastic for the Baby Grand and the B&O speaker.

There are comfy chairs and sofas with fur, wool and sheepskin throws.

The central features of the Great Room are the marble arched fireplace, with art alcoves and a spectacular “Cloud Seed” chandelier.

The master suite is entered through double doors with black velvet bumble bee curtains leading to a private corridor featuring the original arched lead light window.

The master bedroom is to the left and the master bathroom is to the right.

The Californian king bed sits in the middle of this large room facing the view out the bay window.

There is a luxurious chaise for reading, watching TV and

to take in the majestic views.

The master bedroom has a large dressing area with brass detailing on the wardrobes.

The master en suite has a large copper bath and chandelier

and double shower with marble tiles throughout.

Bedroom two is a twin room that can be configured as a king.

There is a large bay window with tartan wool curtains and a fun bird light.

Bedroom two en suite bathroom has a fabulous shark sculpture to keep you company while bathing.

Bedroom three has a super king bed and soft painterly linen curtains,

gorgeous art work and

a teal velvet reading chair.

Bedroom three en suite is a marble tiled shower room.

The utility wing has bluestone floors, slate worktops, bespoke cabinetry, floral velvet blinds and blush glass pendants making this a beautiful yet practical space.

The flower room has a library of garden books.

The laundry has a large washing machine and tumble dryer.

The mudroom has a heated towel rail and an old-school pulley for hanging and drying wet weather and ski gear.

There is also a mudroom WC and shower.

Even the utility area features gorgeous art, with a wooden carved umbrella, hat and scarf set in the mudroom.

The Homestead's wine room has a neon FARMACY sign that advertises the health benefits of the world renowned local pinot noir,

and is a much used space that links the main Homestead to the additional guest extension.

There is a large day bed and sheepskin bean bag in front of the super-sized steel and brick fire.

There is also outdoor dining for 10 in this space.

Stairs lead from the wine room to the guest suite, a modern extension with two further guest bedrooms.

Bedroom four is a large suite with a king sized four poster bed and stunning views to The Remarkables with a TV lounge.

There is also a charming twin bedroom that can be set up as a super king.

These additional two bedrooms share a shower room.

The covered link is a cosy sheltered spot in winter and a lovely shaded spot in summer overlooking the heritage orchard.

The orchard is planted in rows of pears, apples, plums, peaches and apricots. An abundance of organic fruit can be enjoyed from early summer.

The orchard lounge catches sun throughout the day all year round.

A northern courtyard laid with slate is the social hub of the Homestead with gorgeous rural farming views.

The courtyard is bordered by two large lavender beds with a central herb garden and the scent of the air is intoxicating.

There is a large round marble table with comfortable seating and a large BBQ located just outside the kitchen for ease of catering and serving.

The pool area has sun loungers and parasols.

The heated pool has stunning infinity views to Lake Hayes and the black lining reflects the sky.

The pool canopy area offers shade and shelter

and in cooler evenings the suspended Ergo focus fire keeps guests warm.

The traditional greenhouse produces tomatoes, basil and peppers through summer.

Behind the schist wall of the pool is the organic vegetable garden that guests are welcome to help themselves to.

The locally made cedar hot tub is heated by solar panels on the barn roof, and has stunning views of the lake.

The petanque court runs in front of the pool

and the seat around the weeping ash provides a perfect spot to spectate.

A petanque set is available to all guests.

The croquet lawn is in front of the pétanque court with fantastic elevated views over the paddocks leading to Lake Hayes. A croquet set is available to all guests.

The wild flower meadow sits below the lawn ha ha and is in full bloom with cornflowers and poppies from early spring to late summer.

Have a bounce amongst the wildflowers on the in-ground trampoline.

There is a well equipped gym in the barn,

with outstanding views over the paddocks to the lake and mountains.

Gym equipment includes a WaterRower rowing machine, a full set of weights, bench and fit balls.

TRX and CrossCore180 bodyweight training systems, Bulgarian bag and kettlebells, a battle rope, a boxing heavy bag and wall bag. After your workout, there are foam rollers for stretching.

In front of the gym is an outdoor giant chess set for those that are looking to exercise the grey matter.

There is a treehouse with slide, fireman's pole, climbing wall, cargo net and swing

Private walking paths have been established throughout the paddocks leading guests to join the Lake Hayes walking track.

There are benches dotted along the paths to stop and enjoy the view and plan your next trip back to The Homestead.

The walking track also leads to a converted grain silo where you can enjoy a glass of wine by the fire or even have a sleep out.

Take the paddle boards and kayaks out on to Lake Hayes to check out the local birdlife

We hoped you enjoyed your stay. Please come back again soon. The Homestead is the perfect place to stay all year round.