Queenstown: Remarkable Mountains and lakes

Queenstown's alpine scene is yours for the taking.

By VICKI HOLDER.

Named in honour of one of Queenstown's first European settlers, The Rees is a fitting tribute to the community's founding father.

William Gilbert Rees' legacy of strong character, determined leadership and commercial flair captured the imagination of developer SMG Properties, which gained approval to use his name for its new $90 million luxury apartments. When it is completed, in Beech Cove, The Rees will be a permanent reminder of Rees' exploits, vision and contribution to the area. From the moment they step into the main entrance, residents and visitors will be reminded of William and his wife, Frances, for information about the couple will greet them in the foyer.

The managed apartments and 23 residences will be right on the lakefront, adjoining the Frankton walking track. The complex was designed by Avery Architects, which is also responsible for the Kauri Cliffs Resort in Northland. Interior design is by Jayne Hamparsum, who has worked on such prestigious projects as Christchurch's Clearwater development.

Impressively spacious and open plan, the apartments will have a seamless indoor-outdoor flow. When the cooler days of autumn give way to the crisp cold of winter, the dwellings will be kept cosy by double glazing, under-tile heating and gas-powered log fires.

Neutral earthy tones with duck egg blues will echo the colours of The Remarkables and Lake Whakatipu. Natural timbers, stone, tile, 100 percent wool carpet and textured fabrics will be elegant yet comfortable. The kitchen will comprise modern finishes, such as reconstituted quartz resin-based stone benchtops and timber veneer cupboards. Luxury continues in the bathrooms with oversized vanity basins, heated towel rails, underfloor heating and dumper shower roses. Floating fireplaces in the slate stone walls will create a dramatic feature that brings the natural beauty of the landscape indoors.

SMG is well known for the standard of its apartments in Parnell's St Stephens Ave and Cliff Rd in St Heliers. The Rees will match this quality with many of the same features. Says SMG's Kevin Lovell: "Quality is the hallmark we're looking for in terms of fixtures and fittings."

Residents not wanting to venture beyond The Rees can stroll in the grounds planted with native species. They can socialise in an elegant lounge bar or take in a movie at the intimate theatrette, or they can work off extra kilos at a gym or revitalise in the sauna. Completing the package is a common laundry, drying room, temporary storage and undercover parking for 135 vehicles.

Situated 1.8km from the centre of Queenstown, the development offers an enviable lifestyle for those seeking the extraordinary, with golf, Queenstown's winter alpine scene, white water rafting, bungy jumping and world-class restaurants and bars on tap.

Regardless of season, the outlook is unfailingly inspirational. The Rees' east-west aspect allows spectacular sunsets with the waters of the Frankton Arm of Lake Whakatipu reflecting images of The Remarkables.

SMG managing director Lindsay Singleton reports overwhelming interest in the project. Stage One sold out in a matter of weeks with more than half going to South Island buyers. Buyers have also come from the UK and Australia.

Singleton says: "Our focus is on the families and frequent independent travellers who want an extended stay of six or seven nights, rather than the typical two-night visit offered by many Queenstown package deals.

"We planned for this emerging trend when we designed The Rees. The complex has obvious appeal for families and longer-stay visitors who want to feel comfortable close to town but away from the crowds."

The success of Stage One prompted additional units on a neighbouring property owned by SMG on the eastern side of the original site. Some two- and three-bedroom apartments are still available, some with dual key options.

Vital Statistics

ADDRESS: The Rees, Beech Cove, Queenstown.

FEATURES: Two- to three-bedroom quality, lakefront apartments and residences with views of Lake Whakatipu and The Remarkables; double glazing; underfloor heating; gas fires; concrete slab construction; concrete floors; basement parking.

SIZE: From 110sq m to 160sq m.

PRICE: From $1.3 million to $3.75 million.

AGENT: Warren White, Southern Lakes Real Estate. Ph 03 441 8858 bus; 0274 323 898 mob.