Mt Cardrona Station’s first homeowners are celebrating receiving the keys to their new properties in the stunning 400-hectare village above the Cardrona Valley.

In what’s being hailed as a significant milestone for the alpine village, there are 13 homes already under construction this winter. The first five to be completed include all three architecturally-designed house types available in the station’s house, land and landscaping offer – the Rose, Pisa and Soho.

With its sophisticated use of schist and Abodo timber, the four-bedroom Rose embodies the aesthetic of Central Otago style. The Rose homes occupy front-row positions along reserve land, and north-facing views up the Cardrona Valley which will never be built out.

The Pisa’s distinct lean-to barn style is reminiscent of old farm cottages, yet with contemporary features throughout, the Pisa mountain retreat appeals to the modern-day outdoor enthusiast.

The Soho evokes the simple beauty of early miners’ cottages while skilfully introducing an astute contemporary twist. The use of exterior corrugated corten steel and timber gives the Soho an aesthetic similar to cabins that once dotted the Cardrona landscape, making it the perfect ‘ski chalet’ for winter holidays to remember.

Many more properties are also in the planning stages in the station’s first four founding neighbourhoods – Pioneer, Ridges, Walter Little and Little Meg — with properties also now available in the latest neighbourhood to be released for sale, Whitestar.

The first homes will be cosy, warm, and welcoming for family, friends and visitors this winter ski season thanks to an innovative build process.

The secret to the speedy six-month build time lies in the use of the Hector Egger New Zealand timber panelised system – a high-performance, innovative Swiss construction methodology that’s locally manufactured in Cromwell and used by Wanaka’s award-winning CDL Building on these house builds.

Once the pre-planned and pre-fabricated frames are constructed and the concrete slab is in place, CDL completes the remaining building work including metal roofing, stone and timber cladding, and interior finishes and joinery. The entire construction process is a considerable reduction on the standard build time for an architectural home.

“It’s hugely exciting and rewarding to see people moving into their stunning homes and other properties taking shape on site,” says station co-owner Chris Morton.

Auckland-based architects Colin and Lindy Leuschke received the keys to their new home in May. They couldn’t be happier to wake up to stunning mountain views, and are especially thrilled to be on the first ski lift at Cardrona Alpine Resort within 15 minutes of leaving the property.

“We’ve fallen in love with this rural and mountain outlook. We’ve always been keen skiers and this is the primary motivation, you can even see the clocktower from our house! But we’re also looking forward to spending time in other seasons as there’s so much to enjoy in this part of the world, and we can’t wait to see the village community grow,” says Colin.

While the station is buzzing with home builds, work also starts this winter on the first phase of The Homestead village hub, incorporating the members’ clubroom, meeting and remote working facilities, gym and workout spaces, and three in-ground outdoor hot pools.

The $10million architecturally crafted landmark building overlooks a tarn, has breath-taking views of the valley and surrounding mountains and is set to be the heart of the village.

Whitestar Shines Bright

With limited options remaining in the four founding neighbourhoods, Mt Cardrona Station is now offering its fifth neighbourhood – Whitestar.

Whitestar’s 18 elevated, contoured sites showcase incredible views of the Criffel and Pisa ranges and towards Snow Farm. It’s an enticing opportunity to turn a blank canvas into a masterpiece home and maximise this incredible aspect. To make the process as stress-free as possible, there are six pre-approved architectural house concept designs to choose from for this neighbourhood, or you can design your own using an architect of your choice.

“We’ve seen incredible demand for sites and land-and-home packages from Auckland-based business professionals who love travel, ski and outdoor adventures, ex-pat Kiwis keen on securing a legacy home here in New Zealand for their return to these shores and Australians who love New Zealand skiing,” says station co-owner Chris Morton. “If you’re thinking of buying, come for a visit and I guarantee the views, the sunshine and the homes being built on site will help make your mind up!”