Landmark Queenstown home of Australian philanthropist on the market for the first time
From reporter Debbie Jamieson:
A landmark central Queenstown home with the town’s widest Lake Wakatipu frontage is for sale for the first time.
The Thomas House was designed and built for Australian businessman David Thomas and his late wife, Barbara.
The much-admired home sits on a large site located in Queenstown’s Park St – a location sought after for its lake frontage, panoramic views, and 10-minute walk into town.
Designed by noted Australian architect Andrew Wiley and influenced by the prairie style made famous by American architect Frank Lloyd Wright, the house is subtle, yet grand.
Agent James O’Hagan, of Colliers Queenstown, said it was unusual for a property to offer so many unique and appealing attributes.
“The residence itself is a timeless architectural statement.
“I think it would be one of the most admired and photographed homes in Queenstown, and it’s on one of the most desirable addresses in the area.”
The expansive 2150m² site covers two titles and is zoned high density affording multiple future development options.
The 62m lake frontage was the widest lake frontage of any residential home in the Queenstown town centre area.
“We anticipate strong interest on the basis of this being a very special property offering,” O’Hagan said.
Interiors of the 451m² house were designed by the late George Freedman and the award-winning park-like gardens, planted exclusively in natives, were designed by landscape Ralf Krüger.
The main residence contains separate formal living zones designed to maximise lake and mountain views, a dedicated art gallery with separate art storage and a commercial-grade wine store.
There are three bedrooms in the main residence with a separate lake-facing self-contained studio with private patio and parterre garden.
The home is being offered for sale by deadline private treaty closing May 18.
The house was completed in 2000.
O’Hagan said it was difficult to estimate a sale price, but he anticipated there would be strong interest well above the 2021 CV of $11.59 million.
David and Barbara Thomas are amongst Australia’s largest environmental philanthropists, having donated more than $AUS40m to conservation projects through their Thomas Foundation.
The entrepreneurial couple started Cellarmaster Wines in Australia, in 1982, after buying wine from The Sunday Times Wine Club in London.
Over 14 years they launched 12 more wine clubs in Australia and New Zealand.
In 1996, they sold the business to Fosters for A$160 million, providing the capital to endow The Thomas Foundation.
Initially the foundation supported projects in education, the arts and conservation and in 2013 shifted focus to marine issues.
Poll: Are our Kiwi summer holidays helping us recharge, or holding the economy back? ☀️🥝
There’s growing debate about whether New Zealand’s extended Christmas break (and the slowdown that comes with it) affects productivity.
Tracy Watkins has weighed in ... now it’s your turn. What’s your take? 🤔
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72.9% We work hard, we deserve a break!
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16.1% Hmm, maybe?
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11% Yes!
Secure your homes over summer
Police are reminding people to keep their homes secure during the summer months.
Inspector Glenda Barnaby, Christchurch Area Prevention manager, says daytime burglaries are just as common as nightime burglaries.
“Burglaries can be committed at any time of the day, and coming into warmer months there is more opportunity for thieves."
"Although a majority of burglaries involve forced entry through windows and doors, we are starting to see more incidents at insecure premises. Police deal with cases where burglaries are committed in broad daylight, sometimes even while the victim is at home. Good weather means open doors and windows, which makes homes more vulnerable to burglars.”
Inspector Barnaby says there’s a few things people can do to reduce their changes of a burglary being committed.
⚠️ If you’re going outside for gardening, relaxing in the sun, or working in the garage, take a moment to lock your doors and secure your windows first.
⚠️ Do the same at night when you go to bed - keep your doors and windows secure and close your curtains. Fitting window stays means you can get a breeze coming through, while keeping your windows secure.
⚠️ Get to know your neighbours - let them know if you’re going away and look out for one another.”
If you see any suspicious activity, people or vehicles in your neighbourhood, don't hesitate to contact Police.
If you witness or suspect any illegal activity, please call 111 if it is happening now, or make a report through 105 either online or over the phone, if it is after the fact.
Brain Teaser of the Day 🧠✨ Can You Solve It? 🤔💬
How many balls of string does it take to reach the moon?
(Peter from Carterton kindly provided this head-scratcher ... thanks, Peter!)
Do you think you know the answer? Simply 'Like' this post and we'll post the answer in the comments below at 2pm on the day!
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