68 | Lake Hood development exceeds expectations Lake Hood has transformed recreational habits in the Ashburton region. from page 66 DEVELOPMENT Lake Hood Properties He says Lake Hood has well and truly met and exceeded all expectations. He is proud to witness its ongoing evolution today as a desirable place to live and play. “This really is a fantastic environment to live in, not just for boat-owners either because we have many working families here bringing up kids who love jumping in the lake for a swim or getting out on paddleboards,” says David, who continues to play an active role at Lake Hood as Deputy Chair of the Lake Hood Extension Project (LHEP), a joint venture between AAPCT, Ashburton Contracting Limited (ACL) and Riversdale Farm Ltd. David says he and Zdena enjoy getting on the water on paddleboards stand up pedalboards too. “Our grandchildren love coming here and jumping off the jetty and going out kayaking. After all the years of effort, it really is so rewarding to see all the activity on the lake and people absolutely enjoying what’s here.” Early research suggested the aquatic park area would become popular as a place for walking and having picnics. David says that has certainly come to pass. Attractive walking and biking trails and picnic areas provide plenty of opportunities for getting out in the gorgeous lake environment. “So many people enjoy walking around the lake or sitting beside it. With mountain views and various activities happening on the water, the lake is different every day.” Planning is now underway for Lake Hood’s next residential development phase – Stage 15 – that will offer another 70 sections, at least half of those waterfront sites. “We’re excited at how the Lake Hood community is developing; it will continue getting bigger and stronger as this next stage progresses over the coming year or two. A lot of the demand for homes here is from local people but we also get enquiries from Aucklanders who have fallen in love with our tranquil environment and the location. I think the Covid experience has also encouraged more people to work from home; they’re realising they can live in an environment like this and still work – it’s a superb lifestyle choice.” This vibrant place draws many visitors to mid-Canterbury, producing economic spin-offs for the wider area. Big watersport events help to fill motels in Ashburton and boost other local businesses. David observes that lake water quality is always very good, contributing to its popularity as a watersport hub. “The waterskiing nationals were held here this year and it filled the whole town. There are always people stopping by to see the lake. Plus, the Lake House restaurant is so good – local families gravitate to it as a meeting place.” He says Lake Hood has transformed recreational habits in the region. Instead of dashing away on weekend boating trips, many locals choose to stay at home and pop out on the lake after work or whenever they like. “Yet even though the lake is relatively small, it never gets over-used. People self-regulate how they use it, so it only really gets super busy at the very height of summer.” Another side-benefit of the lake’s ongoing development is that it creates gravel resources for local roading and infrastructure projects. The lake has also performed well in local flooding events to date. David notes it did everything it was designed to do in last year’s big flood. “The land here is all free-draining shingle and houses are built way above flood levels so it’s very safe and secure.” “With mountain views and various activities happening on the water, the lake is different every day.” Many homes have a private jetty, as well as access to a dedicated boat ramp area. A family-owned business, building homes inMid Canterbury for over 40years! DesMillar Constructionwas proud to be a part of this project Contact SamMillar any time for a free no-obligation quote 0274 641 042 | sam@desmillar.co.nz Brophy Knight are proud to provide accounting and advisory services to the Lake Hood Extension Project For accounting and financial advice, contact: Marcus Schoonderbeek, Greg Wall, Brendon Adam, Angus Lindsay or Emma Hastings
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