Lodge-style retreat in Rotorua’s sought-after lake district
Nestled at the end of a stunning canopy of native trees is one of Rotorua’s most unique finds - a stunning retreat with an abundance of accommodation options overlooking both Lake Tarawera and Lake Okataina. With its attractive Otago schist, copper and cedar touches, the lodge-style main home looks perfectly at home here; a part of the natural landscape in this stunning slice of God’s Own Country.
The combination of premium accommodation, glorious scenery, intense privacy and easy access to Lake Tarawera places ensure this architecturally-designed home is a cut above the rest.
Owners Greg and Debbie had been looking at Rotorua properties for a long time when they spotted this rare gem.
“When we were fortunate enough to come across 552 Spencer Road, Greg and I didn’t need to say a word to each other. We just knew,” Debbie says.
What started out as the perfect holiday home turned into a permanent abode for the couple, then into luxury lodge-style holiday accommodation with the addition of two self-contained suites and a handy office.
Debbie describes running the guest accommodation, known as Tarawera Heights and consisting of three luxuriously appointed suites with panoramic views as her “fun job”. Debbie also enjoys taking care of the relatively easy-care gardens, growing vegetables and looking after the Suffolk sheep they keep on the 4.66-hectare property. Greg, who travels for work during the week, joins her on weekends, when they can truly relax in this magnificent setting.
“We have extensive decks, which allow us to enjoy the indooroutdoor flow of our property, and breathtaking water views, along with all our guests. Our views are extensive too: all our rooms have lake views and we are surrounded by native bush and have a wonderful view of Mt Tarawera.”
Inside, natural materials like timber and stone add a warm, inviting ambience reminiscent of an upmarket lodge, creating an almost organic extension of the panoramic backdrop.
The stunning chef’s kitchen leads into a stylish living and dining area, which spills out onto the extensive entertainer’s deck featuring various spots for enjoying the sun or relaxing in the spa pool while enjoying lake views. A separate formal lounge and separate library create an abundance of space for everyone to find their own spot for relaxing. Four spacious bedrooms all come with breathtaking views. No comfort has been spared here, with an abundance of storage, laundry facilities, a gym room, barbecues and even a helipad making this an appealing residence for even the most discerning buyer.
“This historic location in Rotorua’s pristine lakes district offers a wealth of eco-adventures, first-class fishing and proximity to a network of internationally renowned mountain biking tracks. Rotorua city is an approximate 20-minute scenic drive away. This is an amazing home, retreat, income-earner, breathtaking playground - the unique qualities of this property make viewing absolutely essential,” says Shona Duncan of New Zealand Sotheby’s International Real Estate.
PROPERTY DETAILS: LOCATION: Rotorua
ADDRESS: 552 Spencer Road, Lake Tarawera
SIZE: 351sqm house plus one guest suite. Auxiliary building/garage: 128sqm. Guest cottage: 38qm PRICE: By negotiation
AGENT: Shona Duncan PHONE: 0274968107
EMAIL: shona.duncan@nzsir.com WEB: https://www.nzsothebysrealty.com/purchasing/property/RORE01196/552-spencer-road-laketarawera/