Otago gold rush cottage for auction
A stone cottage in Central Otago that was built in 1897 and has featured in well-known photography and paintings is being presented for sale.
Few properties hold the unique qualities of this historic stone cottage that has undergone an extensive restoration process with room for the finishing touches to be applied by the new owner, according to Colliers agents.
The two-bedroom property sits on the corner of Hills Creek Rd and SH85 in heartland Central Otago and is approximately 12km from St Bathans, which is famed for its gold and coal mining heritage and was at the centre of the Otago gold rush.
Overlooking the Hawkdun Ranges, where award-winning movie The Power of the Dog was partly filmed, the 75sq m house sits on 1012sq m of land and has been internally rewired.
It also has a log burner, bore water facilities, and a fully restored coal range.
With its striking stone exterior, the building has served multiple purposes for the surrounding community throughout its history and has the potential to be used as a dwelling or boutique accommodation for tourists.
Helen Flintoff, rural and lifestyle sales adviser at Colliers Otago, is marketing the property via auction. That will be held on-site at 10am, Saturday February 10.
Lesley Anderson has owned the property since 2005 but feels the time has come for someone else to build on its rich history and write the next chapter.
Anderson has maintained the rustic theme throughout the property’s restoration process, gradually working on the cottage with her family.
The door and window frames were made from recycled wood and constructed in Christchurch.
When she first viewed the property, Anderson found newspapers from the 1970s in the cottage.
One of those featured a story on an iceskating show she had orchestrated in nearby Alexandra.
“I took that as some sort of sign that it was meant to be,” she says.
“When we bought the cottage it was in a state of ruin but we are incredibly proud of the work we have put into the place and look forward to seeing what the new owner can do.”
Currently there is solar power available in the cottage, provided via a cable from the neighbouring property.
That is also for sale, meaning if the new owner was to buy both, solar power could be used.
The open-plan dwelling also has a partial kitchen, which provides another avenue for the new owner to add their own style.
While St Bathans is the closest settlement, Alexandra can be reached in approximately 45 minutes and Ranfurly is only 20 minutes away.
Flintoff says the property is steeped in history and has been painted by skilled artists and snapped by professional and hobbyist photographers.
“The surrounding backdrop is one of beauty and tranquillity and the new owner will enjoy the peace and serenity that comes with this location.
“The ongoing restoration project has given the cottage a new lease of life, while preserving many of the original features, and it is now perfectly positioned for the new owner to apply the finishing touches.”