18 | DEVELOPMENT Morton Property Group: Mt Cardrona Station Open spaces integral to development T T Richard Loader The Homestead will take centre stage and includes a gym, pool and a bar/restaurant complex. In the South Island’s Lakes District, the spectacular Cardrona Valley has long been known as a hotspot for outdoor adventures thanks to its world-class ski fields, summer mountain biking and high country hiking trails. Now, outdoor enthusiasts have another reason to get excited, with the development of a high country community nestled in Mt Cardrona Station. Within close proximity to the historic Cardrona township, and adjacent to the ski road with the first chairlift just 10 minutes away, the new development is 15 minutes from Wanaka and 25 minutes to Arrowtown. Envisioned as an alpine community by owners Chris Morton and Andrew Spencer, at 600 metres above sea level the development affords unparalleled views of the Pisa and Mount Cardrona Ranges. Baxter Design Group has been involved in many of the Lakes Districts’ prime developments and has played a key role in the look and feel of Mt Cardrona Station’s high country offering. Mt Cardrona Station Director Chris Morton says the high country setting makes the development unique, but what truly sets it apart is the provision of open spaces and facilities. In addition to 30 hectares of development zone, the community’s residents and their visitors will have 400 hectares of open space to explore, with 30 kilometres of walking and biking trails. “All that open space is maintained and looked after by an owners’ association. “The masterplan is for a high-country community that will ultimately include 400 dwellings, with what we call The Homestead taking centre stage. The Homestead will include a gym, a pool and a bar/restaurant complex and is currently being designed and consented. Stage One will include the gym, outdoor hot pools and the Station Club, where members can congregate and socialise. Stages Two and Three will include the restaurant and pool.” Residential lots range from 200sqm to 800sqm with price points currently ranging from $495,000 up to $1.7 million. Stage one of the residential development will include 90 lots, of which 60% of the available lots have been sold. “The earthworks are complete for 75% of the first four neighbourhoods. We would expect the earthworks to be finished by September or October with drainage and road construction immediately following that. The first houses will be starting in the second quarter of next year.” Award-winning Wanaka-based company CDL Building is the construction partner for the development. “Buildings will be unashamedly contemporary and alpine in nature, referencing the historical precedents and unique nature of the Cardrona Valley,” says Chris. “ We have a number of design and build options with our own site-specific designs created by Auckland practice Leuschke Group Architects, who have done a lot of architecture around the country. Owners can also utilise their own builders and architects, or prefer one of our designs and put that on their lot. Subsequent stages will be released over the next eight years as the market demands.” Chris believes the development will appeal to a broad mix of people, including younger buyers keen on the lifestyle offered by the region and willing to work where they want to live. “Then there will be a range of people wanting a lock-up-and-leave property, and we have a number of people saying they want a place to create a generational legacy. Part of what we’re doing is developing a place for people
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