Labelled the ‘chicest sheep station in the world,’ the Homestead at FLOCKHILL sits amid the mountains and rock formations of the Craigieburn Valley in New Zealand’s Southern Alps. Looking out across Lake Pearson and Arthur’s Pass Valley, with superb views of Sugarloaf Mountain, the Homestead is part of FLOCKHILL Sheep Station, sitting in 36,000 acres of remote alpine wilderness, close to Canterbury’s Castle Hill.
Once a humble and low-profile campground of red-roofed chalets used by local ski clubs and hikers, the site has been considerably upgraded with the creation of the Homestead, an ultra-luxury lodge. The landscape is magnificent, surrounded by dramatic mountains, winding rivers, glittering lakes, and tussock grasslands. Traversing the property is the TranzAlpine Railway, one of the most scenic in the world. Owing to the beauty and energy found here, the Dalai Lama described the region as, ‘the spiritual centre of the world.’
The Homestead occupies an elevated position in the centre of the valley. Its fluid design creates an almost continuous connection between the internal and external spaces, to guarantee superb views of the lake and mountain. This connection to the landscape is reflected in the use of natural building materials including tinted concrete, limestone and local timber used to frame the glorious vistas. Guests enjoy luxurious accommodation, fresh mountain air, fine food and wine and the opportunity to indulge in a host of exclusive experiences.
There is an inviting lounge and dining room with an open fireplace, spacious sitting room with bar facilities, books, and games, and a cosy den with a vinyl record deck, large TV, and music system. Outside, the terrace includes a tepid pool, with a hot spa and firepit, along with a BBQ area. There is also a well-stocked wine cellar, farmhouse kitchen, laundry facilities, garage parking and security gates.
Each of the four bedrooms includes underfloor heating, a gas fireplace, private terrace, King size bed, ensuite bathroom including a bathtub with a view, robes and slippers, Wi-Fi, air conditioning, LCD TV with Sky, Bluetooth speaker, mini bar, electronic safe, Nespresso machine and tea-making facilities. Also included are the services of a private chef and attendant, homemade snacks, daily breakfast and lunch, nightly canapes and dinner, soft drinks, tea, and coffee. You can choose when to eat and where. Dining spaces include the kitchen, dining room and terrace.
The scope for activities and experiences is immense and bespoke itineraries can be crafted to guests’ personal preferences. These include offsite seasonal activities including heli-skiing, golf, hunting and wine tours. Onsite, guests have the use of mountain and e-bikes and can also explore the landscape jetboating, kayaking, paddleboarding and hiking. FLOCKHILL has put in place various initiatives to protect the environment. These include actively supporting the biodiversity of the region and producing ethical, sustainable and traceable merino wool.
All images provided by FLOCKHILL
