Ohoka/Christchurch: Southern style

With spectacular views of the Southern Alps, this palatial residence offers luxurious living in the heart of the South Island.

At the end of a long, tree-lined driveway is this two-year-old architecturally designed luxurious residence in Ohoka, Christchurch.

This substantial French chateau-style home offers spacious and classic living with a modern edge.

A grand entrance starts the journey through this gracious house decorated with a neutral palette of creams and beiges. It boasts nine bedrooms, including a master suite, library, formal lounge, formal dining, sitting room and a marble-tiled conservatory, which could be a games room, leading to the pool complex.

The kitchen is central to an open-plan, conservatory-style breakfast/dining area. Italian marble floors are complemented with stunning black granite benchtops and integrated appliances, including a fridge-freezer, microwave and dishwasher.

Apart from the guest bedroom on the ground floor, the other eight bedrooms are on the second level, with some opening to balconies. The master suite comprises a large living area and a walk-through wardrobe that leads to a stylish en suite with spa bath.

At the top of the house is an attic area opening to the viewing platform, from which there are breathtaking views of the Southern Alps and the home's spectacular grounds.

A stroll around the property's two lakes and gardens is the perfect way to rejuvenate the mind, while more active recreational pursuits are on offer nearby at the Clearwater International Golf Resort and the Waimakariri River.

And at the end of the day you can relax in the fabulous indoor swimming pool and spa complex.

There is garaging for six cars and a helicopter pad for those who prefer to travel by air.

In the heart of one of New Zealand's popular recreational playgrounds, the property - which could easily be converted into boutique hotel accommodation - is only 90 minutes away from ski fields and close to Christchurch city and an international airport.

Vital Statistics

ADDRESS: 55 Threlkelds Rd, Ohoka.

FEATURES: Two-year-old architecturally designed French chateau-style residence; nine bedrooms, two with en suites; formal lounge; formal dining; sitting room; library; attic room with viewing platform; separate laundry; Italian marble floors; black granite benchtops; integrated kitchen appliances; conservatory-style, open-plan breakfast/dining area; underfloor heating; security system; marble-tiled conservatory wing leading to indoor pool complex; six-car garaging; helicopter pad; grounds include two lakes and specimen trees.

SIZE: Land area 7.99ha (in two titles), floor area 980sq m.

PRICE: $2.7 million.

AGENT: Debbie Soper, Harcourts Vision Real Estate, Christchurch. Ph 03 359 4370 bus; 0274 328 279 mob.