8 | A luxury escape for the digital weary Cedar cladding, treated with a dark oil stain, helps the cabin blend seamlessly with the pine and native beech trees. Moke Valley Cabins T T Kim Bowden REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT After two decades in fast-paced Hong Kong working as a shipping broker, Terry Chu has traded skyscrapers for starry skies, creating a luxury cabin retreat where guests can escape the digital grind and focus on the mountains, the lake, and one another. On the outskirts of Queenstown, the first of five luxury ‘Moke Valley’ cabins is nearing completion, with guests expected to arrive in early 2026. “I was working in Hong Kong for 20 years, and I know what the city life can look like,” Terry says. “Sometimes you just want to get away. There’ll be no Wi-Fi in the cabin, no TV either – it’s going to be about quality time, just being with the one that you love.” Set on a two-hectare property, the cabins offer complete privacy – “you hardly see anyone nearby” – while remaining less than 15 minutes’ drive from Queenstown’s town centre in one direction and postcard-pretty Moke Lake in the other. The first cabin spans approximately 55sqm, designed to feel cosy, yet open to the surrounding landscape. In their design, Fearon Hay Architects have included large sliding windows that open completely, creating a balcony-like feel to the space, and framing views across Lake Wakatipu and the nearby mountains. “At this time of the year, you’ll be able to see a glowing red sunset through the window, too,” Terry says. Cedar cladding, treated with a dark oil stain, helps the cabin blend seamlessly with the pine and native beech trees behind it, while the same timber continues inside for walls and ceilings. “We’re bringing the nature from outside to inside as well,” he says. Custom furniture and lighting from interior designer Katie Lockhart, a limestone bench top in the kitchenette, ceramics by New York artist Natalie Weinberger, and paintings from local artist Andrew Barber ensure a carefully curated, handmade aesthetic. “We hardly bought anything off the shelf,” Terry says of the fit-out. An outdoor cedar and stainless steel spa offers the perfect spot for stargazing, while the minimalist interior encourages guests to step outside and explore. “The idea is always: comfortable inside, but not too comfortable, so people are able to go out and enjoy nature,” he says. Terry sees his project as part of a wider trend, where travellers no longer seek the generic luxury of large hotels, and he is aiming his cabins at city dwellers, honeymooners, couples seeking privacy, or anyone craving a digital detox. But when guests do eventually pick up their phones, the location is set to be Instagram-worthy. Savvy about digital marketing, Terry has commissioned Christchurch artist Steve Carr to create video and artwork exploring how to disappear into nature to spark online interest in the accommodation offering. The campaign has been fresh, a little different, and well-tailored to a market seeking unique, shareable experiences. For Terry, who has shifted from southern Asia to Queenstown with his young family, the goal of his new business venture is simple: offer a space where people can disconnect, enjoy time with loved ones, and experience the beauty of Central Otago in an intimate, thoughtful way. THE ENGINEER TO ARCHITECTS OF REMARKABLE STRUCTURES Proudly Supporting Moke Valley www.sullivanhall.co.nz 03 442 8268 queenstown@sullivanhall.co.nz Level 2, 36 Shotover Street, Queenstown 03 548 9932 | 10 Nile Street, Nelson 7010 | finn@fico.co.nz | bruce@fico.co.nz | scott@fico.co.nz | www.fico.co.nz Fico Finance is here to help you find flexible funding fast. We understand that deals can change - we're approachable, responsive, and focused on getting your project or property transaction across the line. We lend nationwide, providing first and second mortgage secured funding for business, investment, construction and property development. • Residential Investment • Commercial & Industrial • Urgent Settlements • Development & Construction Some of our loan types and features: • Bridging & Rescues • No line fees, no early repayment costs Pricing from 8.45% p.a + fee
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