Thoughtful planning, smart design and a greener way to live.
In the heart of Cambridge, a vibrant new community is taking shape, promising a lifestyle blending modern convenience, sustainability, and a deep sense of connection with the land.
Bridleways Estate offers a fresh vision for estate living that meets the needs of savvy investors, families, and retirees seeking a better quality of life. The development is being led by the experienced 3ms team, the same group behind the award-winning St Kilda subdivision, also in Cambridge.
The name ‘Bridleways’ pays homage to the site’s history as a farm with a bridle path used for horses and carriages, says 3ms developer Matt Smith. “The path was connected to a nearby horse training track, and while the estate isn’t exclusively for equestrians, the name is a nod to historical land use and adds a layer of charm,” he explains.
The development’s design emphasises open spaces with cycleways, footpaths, and a major playground. Much more is planned, including a primary school, commercial zone with a café, supermarket, and wellness hub. The presence of Ryman Healthcare’s Patrick Hogan Retirement Village should also enhance the estate’s intergenerational appeal.
Sustainable features by design include north-facing orientation for optimal solar gain, enhanced insulation exceeding code, and thermal mass materials for passive heating. All homes will include photovoltaic solar panels, rainwater harvesting systems, and EV charging provision, helping reduce reliance on mains services. High-performance joinery and solar shading further improve energy efficiency, while fibre connectivity ensures every home is ready for the future.
In short, the estate is designed to keep energy and resource costs low, and maintenance minimal. “The design committee has developed the guidelines to help preserve and enhance the value of each property,” Smith explains. “Our vision is to create homes that residents can benefit from now, and that are ready for the future.”
With sections ranging from 420 to 650sq m, Bridleways should appeal to residents who value low-maintenance living without sacrificing space for a backyard or personal touches. Buyers can choose from the trusted build partners with fixed-price house-and-land packages or design their own home with their own builder. Bridleways Estate is designed to appeal to a wide range of buyers seeking a balanced lifestyle—whether that’s families, professionals, downsizers, or those looking to simplify their living without compromising on quality. With a focus on convenience and connectivity, residents should enjoy easy access to excellent schools, recreational facilities, and the amenities of both Cambridge and nearby Hamilton.
It’s a community defined by thoughtful planning and quality infrastructure, from tree-lined streets to 24/7 CCTV linked to the local police station for added peace of mind. Unlike traditional gated estates, Bridleways offers an open, inviting neighbourhood with design and building guidelines for consistency and vision to tread lightly on the land. That means plenty of dedicated parking, set-back garages, and a sense of space with wide shared footpaths, and recommendations for complementary and inviting front fencing along with abundant flexibility for private backyards.
The goal is for Bridleways Estate to appeal to a diverse range of buyers, including many from Auckland who are seeking relief from rising house prices and congested traffic. This reflects a broader trend of people moving to growing satellite towns like Cambridge for greater affordability and lifestyle benefits. Families, retirees, and professionals alike are attracted by the region’s more accessible housing and improved work-life balance. Safety is a key draw, particularly for families and teleworkers who value the “lock up and leave” aspect. The playground, green spaces, and planned amenities like the café and wellness hub create a convenient, community-focused environment where everything is on your doorstep. For parents, the estate’s design offers peace of mind, with safe spaces for kids to play and cycle.
The 3ms design team thought hard about what people want and how people live. Features like native planting throughout street berms and swales are meant to create a future oasis rather than just flat green space, while dedicated visitor parking bays and north-facing home orientations maximise the sun’s energy. “We all have a shared passion for pushing Cambridge forward. The estate aligns with the Waipa District Council‘s growth plans but goes beyond mere density targets,” says Smith.
For buyers, Bridleways offers immediate value, and a lifestyle intended to feel both aspirational and attainable. Whether you’re an Aucklander fleeing the city, a family seeking a connected community, or a farmer downsizing with purpose, Bridleways Estate invites you to be part of Cambridge’s next chapter.
“You should see and feel the value from day one,” says Smith. With its blend of sustainability, security, and thoughtful design, Bridleways is not just a place to live – it’s a place to thrive.
For more information, visit bridleways.nz