A slice of true paradise, the Waimarino Lodge features properties along a lakefront wilderness in Bob’s Cove, just outside of Queenstown CBD, New Zealand. Designed by award-winning architects Fearon Hay, Waimarino is a stunning getaway with expansive shared living spaces, luxury bedrooms and breathtaking views from every angle. Choose from a glorious ‘Owners Residence’, a pristine ‘Premium Villa’, or a refined and understated ‘Luxury Villa’ wrapped in the lush greenery of the sloping landscape. Endless adventure awaits outside the villa’s doors, along Lake Wakatipu and over the surrounding mountain ranges. Or maybe the outdoor bathtub under clear blue skies will be just too inviting to leave behind.
Situated on 18,093 square metres of land in the beautifully sheltered bay, the modern home exterior of the ‘Owner’s Residence’ encompasses a huge 201 square metre sun terrace with a 40 square metre heated infinity pool. A comfortable conversation pit is sunken into the side of the concrete patio, heated by a modern firepit. The perfect place to chat about the day’s adventures of heli-skiing, scenic backcountry hikes and vineyard wine tastings.
How’s this for a living room with a spectacular view? The 495 square metre Owner's Residence sits at the very front of the property, where majestic mountains and tranquil waters layout a magnificent welcome. Native birdlife calls from the surrounding bush, building on nature’s blissful ambiance.
A ceiling mounted modern fireplace keeps the luxurious villa toasty in wintertime, when the mountains are snow capped. In green Spring and Summertime the piece simply presents a cool sculptural addition to the contemporary monochrome lounge scheme. Pale grey lounge furniture and a matching area rug keep the decor palette restful, whilst the fireplace and a chunky black rectangle coffee table provide punchy accents.
The tasteful lounge opens up to a huge dining room and a kitchen with a butler’s pantry. The impressive rectangle dining table can seat a large party of ten, which is where the optional private chef service and fully stocked wine and whiskey cellar comes in very handy.
The sloping site affords stunning lake and mountain views from every aspect of the villa, which is why outdoor living areas have been bestowed with the same considerations as the interiors.
Decor is minimal to honor the magnificent picture perfect views. A clear glass carafe ghosts against the vista.
Behind the dining area, a lengthy white granite island stretches the kitchen layout. A linear suspension light highlights the kitchen dining bar, where black bar stools silhouette crisply against the clean stone. The back of the kitchen is arranged with a darkly contrasting cabinetry and a slick glossy black backsplash. Wine storage is backlit enticingly at one end of the layout, whilst a pair of pure white vases sculpt interest at the other.
A simple glass vase makes a crystal clear decor addition to the top of the kitchen island. A matt black kitchen faucet and undermount sink disrupt the smooth white countertop.
An outdoor dining table and modern outdoor chairs offer a closer connection with Mother Nature at breakfast, lunch or dinner. A bed of grass attractively breaks the dining area apart from the swimming pool, and serves as a subtle guide toward the top of the pool's underwater steps.
An outdoor fireplace chases off the chill in the colder months.
In one of the holiday home’s four spacious king size bedroom suites, a modern platform bed is situated to look out upon the panorama, along with a set of stylish bedroom chairs.
Outside of edge-to-edge glass doors, an outdoor lounge chair and footstool recline under the sun.
The 69 square metre, 1 bed ‘Premium Villa’ creates an unmatched sense of connection with nature with 180 degree views out to the lake and surrounding mountain ranges.
A full length 30 square metre sundeck provides the perfect viewing platform, perfect with a glass of wine in hand.
If you can’t bear to leave the view, no worries, an outdoor shower will keep you fresh and connected. Industrial style plumbing fixtures and finishes blend easily with the dark exterior cladding, and become enveloped by its deeply corrugated texture.
Alternatively, enjoy a soak under the stars in the deck’s sunken bathtub by candlelight.
You’ll also find a hidden bathtub in the marginally smaller deck of the 52 square metre ‘Luxury Villa’, along with a indoor/outdoor daybed for soaking up the dreamy views.
Modern planters serve nature up onto the deck, whilst you serve the wine. The soft glow of interior lights filter through sheer drapes at the windows, providing enough illumination for an evening read.
Eye catching artwork makes a sophisticated addition to the bedroom’s dramatically dark walls.
Off-grid technology and green practises make Waimarino a high-end eco-centric accommodation. Conscious sustainable development decisions from initial planning to daily servicing minimise Waimarino’s footprint on the planet.
Nature envelops the lodge, pushing up around the al fresco dining area. An outdoor fireplace makes the outdoor eating spot into an inviting and romantic experience.
Back inside the modestly proportioned villa, the rooms open wide to the extraordinary landscape. Even the indoor rainfall shower thunders down in front of a sweeping mountainous scene. A mirror above the double sink bathroom vanity draws the awesome views further inside and builds on the impact.
