Ode to the past with view to the future
When Scottish immigrant Andrew Mackintosh built a small cottage on the foreshore of Lake Tekapo in the Mackenzie Basin in 1945, little did he realise it would be transformed into immaculate holiday accommodation.
Today the property is known as Aldourie Lodge, named after the estate on Loch Ness in Scotland where Mackintosh once lived.
The pristine lodge, close to the picture-postcard Church of the Good Shepherd, is being sold by its owners of the past decade, together with a new family home next door.
The two properties, at 2 and 4 Sealy St, are being marketed for sale by Colliers Christchurch investment sales broker Michael Lough via deadline private treaty, closing Thursday February 22.
“Aldourie Lodge is such a special property, a real ode to the past. Andrew Mackintosh was one of New Zealand’s last mounted policemen. He oversaw the area from Fairlie through to Aoraki Mt Cook which he policed by bike and horse,” Lough says.
“The little cottage he built now houses the library, with the building expanded over the years by subsequent owners.”
Lough says the current owners have completely refurbished the lodge during their 10-year tenure, but have kept the original photos and even Mackintosh’s riding chaps, all of which are featured in the library.
“The vendors were originally from Christchurch and owned Aldourie Lodge as a successful accommodation investment. Four-and-a-halfyears ago, they moved to Tekapo and built the neighbouring house.”
Aldourie Lodge is set on 1244sq m with a floor area of approximately 219sq m. The neighbouring house covers approximately 320sq m on an 812sq m site. Split over two titles, they are both zoned Residential.
Enjoying outstanding reviews, Aldourie Lodge comprises three bedrooms and two bathrooms and is 100m from the church. It includes the two-bedroom, one-bathroom Awa Cottage on the same title.
“This is a chance for visitors to immerse themselves in the past while enjoying the comforts of modern living. The owners have completely refurbished it with a new kitchen, underfloor heating, new bathrooms, and an extended main bedroom. It really does combine old world elegance with modern convenience.”
The vendors currently live in the adjacent modern three-bedroom home, built in 2019.
“This property is a real gem. The Mackenzie District’s environment is usually sparse, but this property is unusual because it is surrounded by large established trees such as oaks, redwoods, and cedars, giving it a wonderfully tranquil setting.”
Lake Tekapo is in the heart of the Mackenzie Country, a three-hour drive from Christchurch Airport and only a short distance from Aoraki Mt Cook.
Multiple attractions, including stargazing at the University of Canterbury Mt John Observatory, skiing at Round Hill, the hot pools, and outdoor ice-skating rink make Tekapo a popular tourist destination.