Fresh activity at Bendemeer evidence of recovering Queenstown property market

The company that now owns  a blue chip Queenstown residential development believes the time is right to ‘breathe life’ back into the exclusive rural offering.

Located in the heart of Queenstown’s Wakatipu Basin, Bendemeer is an exclusive rural property development set amongst some of the region’s most sought-after real estate.

Alistair Jeffery – a former Dunedin-ite and now UK-based entrepreneur, who originally bought a section in the development in 2006, is the sole shareholder and director of Mount Farm Ventures, which bought the 23 remaining sections within Bendemeer in September 2011.

Mr Jeffery is thrilled to see the new life that has been put into the development and believes now is the ideal time to step up promotion of the development and its ideal location to investors in New Zealand and offshore.

“With excellent management in place and an emerging upswing in the high-end real estate market, I believe the timing’s right to really push Bendemeer and what it offers,” he said.

“The original essence of Bendemeer is very sound - a high-quality, family- orientated community located on an elevated, high sun exposure block of land.  This is evidenced by three recent sales that are due to settle very soon.

“The positive management and administration that has been put in place is clearly working, and we’re now well set to continue to attract owners for the remaining lots on the 130-hectare development.

“As well as panoramic views of Arrowtown, Coronet Peak and the Remarkables, there are five ski areas within an easy drive, multiple wineries and golf courses, an amazing range of walking and biking tracks, and stunning lakes.”

Mr Jeffery said people who lived overseas and came back to New Zealand realised how highly Queenstown ranked on a global scale, and how remarkably unspoilt it was.

A local property management team ensures the ongoing presentation and maintenance of the estate, while a project management team has been put in place to help any buyer to understand how easy it is to start ‘design and build’ projects.

A new building project is currently underway at Bendemeer and at least two more are projected to start this year.

Mount Farm has engaged Queenstown resident Sarah Cairns to liaise with potential purchasers, manage marketing and oversee the commercial operations of Mount Farm linked to the Woolshed, which was part of the farm’s original cottage.

The Woolshed is now used as a sales and entertainment complex and is available for functions.  The schist stone building retains many original features including wool-sorting tables and farm machinery, and was the winner of a New Zealand Institute of Architects Award following its completion.  The building also contains two stylish lodge rooms as accommodation options.

“We’re seeing a positive shift in property sales and most importantly we want to remind people that Bendemeer is well and truly back, is a well-managed property in a prime location, and the perfect lifestyle choice for permanent and part- time residents of the Wakatipu basin,” Ms Cairns said.

“We’ve just re-launched the Woolshed as a commercial venue for private functions, weddings and business retreats, and we’re seeing steady demand for its use which we’re sure will only increase.”