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: How important is the ability to book a doctor’s appointment online?
Hi Neighbours
Here at The Doctors we would love to hear how you prefer to book your doctor’s appointments. With busy schedules, different people find different methods easier.
For some, online booking is very convenient, you can make an appointment anytime without needing to wait on the phone. Others still prefer calling the clinic and speaking to a real person, especially if they have specific questions about their visit.
Your feedback helps us understand what works best for our patients and how we can improve access to care.
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34.9% I prefer booking online whenever possible
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26.4% Online booking is helpful but not essential
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34% I prefer calling the clinic
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4.7% I didn’t know online booking was available
A reminder this hunting season
As thousands of hunters are making their plans for autumn – the Roar – recreational firearms groups are urging hunters to always be 100% sure of their targets.
Te Tari Pureke - Firearms Safety Authority NZ, which chairs the Recreational Firearms Users Group, has begun a public information campaign reminding hunters everywhere of Rule #4 of the Firearms Safety Code: to identify their target beyond all doubt.
Director Communities and Corporate, Mike McIlraith, says there is an estimated 50,000-60,000 New Zealanders involved in big game animal hunting each year, and the Roar is the key event for many hunters each year.
“The Roar is a fantastic time of year for hunters to get out into the hills after a trophy animal but hunting safely and making sure everyone gets home in one piece, still must be the most important goal of every trip,” says Mike McIlraith.
“The consequences of not fully identifying your target beyond all doubt can be catastrophic. Our message to hunters is a really simple one: If you are not sure, then don’t shoot.”
Mike McIlraith says while hunting fatalities are thankfully rare, research has shown that misidentification of the target is the largest firearms related risk to New Zealand deer hunters, and 80% of the time this involves members of the same hunting group.
The Authority says hunters should not feel pressured to take a shot: “Instead, hunters should take the time to analyse their target, wait and see if it is a hind or stag, how old is the animal, how many points does its antlers have? Identifying your target means never firing at sound, shape, colour or movement alone.”
Mike McIlraith says good hunters will slow down, and run through some simple mental checks:
- Can I see the whole animal, or could this be another hunter?
- Where are my hunting companions – could this be them or someone else?
- How much of the animal can you see, if it is a hind or stag, how old is the animal, how - many points does its antlers have?
“Taking a little extra time to identify your target and check the firing zone is the key to safer hunting. No meat or no trophy is better than no mate,” he says.
Poll: Does a savoury scone require cheese on top, or folded inside?
Help settle the great kiwi debate ... cheese on top, or folded inside?
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76.4% Inside!
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23.6% On top!
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