The striking three-bedroom house overlooking Lake Wakatipu has been the couple’s base of operations over the past 10 years, but its origins stretch back to 2003. <\/p>\n
Dick, who led Auckland between 2004 and 2007 and whose name is synonymous with Hubbard Foods, spotted a sale sign on a plot of land at 114 Hensman Road while out walking one morning in 2003.<\/p>\n
He was impressed by the views and thought he and Diane might buy it. However, there was a hitch: the overseas-based owner wanted the place sold in three days. \u201cI went for my morning walk when I suddenly saw the sign. It was 200 metres from our holiday house and had been up for only 24 hours,\u201d Dick told OneRoof.<\/p>\n
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Dick and Diane Hubbard have used the Queenstown home as their base while out travelling the world on their motorbike. Photo \/ Hubbard Family Collection<\/p>\n
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The house roof was designed by architect Christine Hall to resemble the sweep of a tent, inspired by Diana Hubbard\u2019s Outward Bound solo camping experience. Photo \/ Supplied<\/p>\n
“The land agent said the seller was an overseas person who would sell at a good price, provided the settlement was done in three days. I rang the lawyer, who fell off his chair but said, \u2018I think we can do it.’ The bank manager also just about fell off his chair.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis was Monday, and by Wednesday all the details were finished and we had it.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Hubbards sat on the sloping 883sqm section for nearly 10 years until they briefed architect Christine Hall to design a home that made the most of the 270-degree views out over the water to the Remarkable Ranges and Cecil and Walter Peaks.<\/p>\n
Discover more:<\/p>\n
– Overseas buyer snaps up vintage Queenstown crib for $4m, plans to demolish it<\/a><\/p>\n – Hollywood stars hot for Waiheke’s ‘Cold War bolthole’ and the NDAs are flying<\/a><\/p>\n – Iconic pub set to re-open after owner abandons sale – ‘it just didn\u2019t feel right’<\/a><\/p>\n Dick jokes that his surprise Christmas present to Diana for an Outward Bound retreat (the couple are big supporters of the not-for-profit) ended up costing him more than they bargained for when it became the inspiration for the home\u2019s distinctive sweeping roof.<\/p>\n \u201cWhen you go on a solo [in Outward Bound] you have a notebook and pencil to write, and, unless you write it yourself, nothing to read,\u201d Diana said.<\/p>\n \u201cI was next to a stream, I had a bivvy [bivouac] made from a tent fly tied between two ponga. And I thought \u2018what a lovely roof line\u2019.”<\/p>\n Hall not only gave the Hubbards the sweeping curved bivvy-style roof, but also expanded the house\u2019s references to simple camping style. The modern two-storey home features a ridge and vertical tent poles, and a downstairs toilet that Diana calls a \u201cglamourous long drop\u201d. A sunken living room and a kitchen full of European appliances elevate the home well beyond its humble inspiration.<\/p>\n The house has 270 degree views over Lake Whakatipu, the Remarkables and Cecil and Walter peaks. Photo \/ Supplied<\/p>\n The split-level living room. Photo \/ Supplied<\/p>\n Builder Martin Hulsman’s construction earned him a slew of Master Builders\u2019 awards in 2016. The Hubbards said that the architect and builder\u2019s work prompted two sets of neighbours to commission the pair for their own homes.<\/p>\n The 385sqm footprint house was designed to accommodate the couple and their many visitors (each of the three bedrooms has an ensuite) and has outdoor living spaces that offer plenty of options depending on the sun and wind. <\/p>\n The main floor living rooms and master suite have walls of glass to take in the views, while upstairs are two guest rooms and a second living room.<\/p>\n Offices were essential for the couple, who are heavily involved in the local community. Dick\u2019s environmental charity Wilding Pines Control Group continues from his founding of what is now the Sustainable Business Network and chairmanship of the New Zealand Nature Fund. Diana enthuses about the strong community of permanent residents in Queenstown, and their active involvement in organisations such as the three-year-old arts and cultural facility, Te Atamira.<\/p>\n![\"114](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/a707e0f50eb9359adcb6d7a81c014a48.jpg\")
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