Dream team behind Mica Ridge
The vision and inspiration for Milbrook Resort’s Mica Ridge required a collaborative effort between the developers and the world class architects and designers they engaged.
Millbrook’s spectacular natural landscape provides a superb canvas on which to create world class homes and lifestyles.
Those responsible for its development have to be applauded for their measured, patient and consistent approach. A key principle has been to create homes that draw their inspiration from, as well as enhance, their surrounding environment. It’s a dream challenge for architects and designers - a dream realised in the six outstanding, architecturally designed homes at Mica Ridge.
One of the key ingredients for success has been the synergy between those involved: architect Francis Whitaker from Mason & Wales; interior designers Marcie Reddell and Rosa Milne from Interior Workroom; Rachel Barnes from kitchen and bathroom design practice Ingrid Geldof Design; and landscape designer Baxter Design Group.
Each home’s site-specific design features a rich diversity of scale, claddings and colours brought together by a common architectural thread appropriate for this wonderful location. Each is a one-off architectural design from a multi award-winning architect; together they form a spectacular collection of buildings that reflect the essential character and architecture of Arrowtown, with multiple outdoor spaces to maximise the year-round sunshine hours bestowed on Mica Ridge.
For interior designers Marcie and Rosa the stunning mountain landscape provided an obvious inspiration for the design concept.
‘‘We wanted to create a feeling of relaxed simplicity that you would find in an international mountain retreat. We envisioned the owners’ needs for day-to-day life in the 5-star resort and created a design for the home that would suit this lifestyle.
‘‘The materials we chose are presented in an honest and sophisticated manner in order to create the feeling of balance. A rich mixture of natural oak, raw linen, wool and leather were incorporated to give the home a natural, intimate appeal.’’
The architect approached Ingrid Geldof Design with a number of concept options for the kitchen and bathroom design.
‘‘It was pleasing to see a plan that came with a view to maximising outlooks and comfortable living spaces. Working on previous kitchens and bathrooms at Millbrook resort gave us an insight into what appeals to potential buyers there,” Ingrid says.
‘‘It was our job to refine the kitchen and bathrooms to ensure good functional spaces that are in proportion to the adjoining rooms. It was important to have the kitchen function on its own, with the option to shut the scullery off so it can be locked if a potential owner chose to use the home as a rental holiday home.’’
Four of the six magnificent homes have been sold, with only two remaining. Owners of these freehold homes will enjoy all amenities of Millbrook Country Club including the renowned 27-hole championship golf course; tennis, health and fitness facilities; spas, four restaurants, walking and biking trails.