– A do-up cottage in Arrowtown’s Manse Mews development is for sale, blending heritage with modern design.
– The near-700sqm section includes a 19th century cottage and a modern building, with plans for a four-bedroom home.
– With legal issues resolved, Vermont Street Partners is reviving the development, with sections priced from $900,000.
A do-up cottage in one of New Zealand’s wealthiest towns has hit the market for sale.
The property at 9 Gala Burn Lane is in Arrowtown’s formerly troubled Manse Mews development.
The near-700sqm section comprises a 19th century crofter’s cottage and a modern building positioned above a concrete block garage.
The property comes with plans to connect the garage and office block with the historic cottage. Photo / Supplied
The listing on OneRoof noted that a concept plan for a four-bedroom designer home connecting the two buildings had been drawn up, but also encouraged buyers to bring their vision to the property.
The picturesque Manse Mews enclave, which sits on the site of the old Arrow Hotel, had stalled as a result of legal issues with the previous owners, but was picked up last year by Vermont Street Partners.
With the legal issues now solved, the development has been brought back to life, with sections now for sale with New Zealand Sotheby’s International Realty.
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Listing agent Angela Imlach said 9 Gala Burn Lane was a “unique opportunity to complete a project that blends Arrowtown’s rich heritage with contemporary design”.
“Ideally suited for modern family living or a high-end holiday retreat, this is a property that invites creativity and craftsmanship, whether you’re a builder seeking your next signature project or a design-minded buyer with an appreciation for heritage architecture.”
Vermont Street Partners director Edward Sundstrum told OneRoof that the company had a history of working on difficult projects. “We specialise in properties that have complex issues that need to be resolved,” he said.
Even so, Sundstrum did wonder briefly what he’d taken on when he first saw the state of the development. He immediately employed a team of cleaners and rolled up his sleeves to clear the rubbish.
Also up for grabs in the Manse Mews development is 11 Gala Burn Lane. Photo / Supplied
Sundstrum said he was aware that his profession was “a dirty word” to some people, but he had lots of positive feedback from locals who were happy to see the development back on track. “The development of properties like this unlocks a whole lot of opportunities,” he said.
“It’s a very cool property in an urban alpine environment, and there’s a whole lot of history there.” He noted that entire families used to live in a single room in the cottage.
Interest in the development had mostly come from empty-nesters. “There is a high level of demand for low-maintenance dwellings in our town, from Sydneysiders and Aucklanders who don’t want to have to worry about mowing the lawns when they fly in and fly out,” Sundstrum said.
Sections in the revived development are for sale, starting at $900,000. Photo / Supplied
Developments such as the Manse Mews kept old buildings alive. “I get excited about it because you’re breathing life into these buildings. You don’t want them to get locked up and forgotten about. You want people living in them and enjoying them.”
He added that the region was viewed increasingly as “the Davos of the South Pacific”. “It’s what the market is calling for.”
Also for sale in the development is 11 Gala Burn Lane, a three-bedroom cottage that was previously one of the former Arrow Hotel units. Sections in the enclave are priced from $900,000.
– 9 Gala Burn Lane, The Croft, Arrowtown, is for sale by negotiation