- A multimillion-dollar home in Christchurch’s Clearwater Resort is up for auction this week.
- The five-bedroom home, designed by Mason & Wales Architects, has a $4.83m RV.
- Agent Chris Nielsen is targeting buyers from Auckland, Queenstown and overseas, including “golden visa” candidates.
A multimillion-dollar home in Christchurch’s exclusive Clearwater Resort goes to auction this week, with Ray White listing agent Chris Nielsen describing the lakeside property as one of the suburb’s best.
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Clearwater is a master-planned community about 15 minutes from the city centre and is a magnet for upmarket buyers.
The neighbourhood includes man-made lakes and a championship 18-hole golf course that was partially designed by New Zealand golfing great Sir Bob Charles, who is also a resident.
The grand five-bedroom, five-bathroom home Nielsen is selling has a $4.83 million RV and sweeping views across the lake to the golf course.
Speaking to OneRoof from 17 Mayfly Lane, Nielsen said: “I’m looking at the lake, I’m looking at the golfers coming down past the lake, down the 18th fairway. The water’s just moving slowly from right to left; it’s sunny, it’s warm, and everything is green and lush.”
The executive home was designed by Mason & Wales Architects and built by Clive Barrington. Photo / Supplied
Clearwater's golf course was co-designed by Sir Bob Charles who's also a homeowner in the master-planned community. Photo / John Borren
The house, which is on the market for the first time, was designed by Mason & Wales Architects and built by Clive Barrington for the vendors in 2004. The brief was to create a home that could accommodate three generations (it comes with a wing for the vendors’ grandmother).
“It’s done its job and done what it was designed for,” said Nielsen, adding that his clients plan to stay in the neighbourhood. “They love Clearwater, so I sold them another section in Clearwater so they’re building a smaller home.
“It’s actually a problem we have in Clearwater. We’ve got all these people who want to stay here, but all the smaller (housing) options are all three levels. Two-bedroom villas are over three levels, and 80-year-olds aren’t going to move into a three-level if they don’t have to.”
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Clearwater began in the mid-1990s when the land was bought by Japanese interests. It was later developed by golf course designer John Darby and philanthropist Lady Diana Isaac. The spring-fed lakes were dug out and sections built up in between. Around 215 properties were built, including the hotel villas and apartments, with 111 residential entitlements for larger homes on generous sections.
While Clearwater is synonymous with golf, Nielsen said only 30% of residents were members of the Clearwater Golf Club. “Not everyone goes there for the golf. I think people just love it because all of the homes face towards the reserves or the water, so you’ve always got lakes in front of you and lots of bird life.”
Buyers often come from prestigious central Christchurch suburbs such as Merivale and Fendalton, or from farming backgrounds. “I’ve found a number of farmers have moved to Clearwater over the years,” Nielsen said. “They don’t want to look after a farm anymore, but they still want that outlook – they don’t want to be hemmed in by six-foot fences.”
The property looks out over the water to the golf course. Photo / Supplied
With many of the original homes built by people in their 50s and 60s, a “changing of the guard” is underway.
Interest in the home has been steady, Nielsen said, adding that he was targeting buyers from Auckland and Queenstown. People from Queenstown might like the golfing lifestyle, he said, while buyers from Auckland could get a lot more for their money.
There had also been online interest from overseas, with potential for the property to be sold to “golden visa” buyers who can now buy properties worth over $5m.
Nielsen has been speaking with private bankers and immigration agents, and said a New Zealand agent based in Dubai had also been through the property.
“From the sound of it, there are plenty of conversations going on with her and her clients. You know, what are the possibilities, because if Dubai no longer feels safe, then where’s the next best place?”
- 17 Mayfly Lane, Northwood, Christchurch, goes to auction on April 16
