Queenstown: Alpine luxury

Apartment living in Queenstown doesn't come much better than this - you get everything, right down to the potato peeler! By VICKI HOLDER.

When everybody in Queenstown was offering units 10 years ago, one innovative company made a stance and started marketing a far more tantalising product. Wensley Developments was the first to sell apartments, or condominiums as they were termed by the Americans. These luxurious residences were a cut above anything else available; more like homes that made it easy for buyers to step into and enjoy the many delights of life in Queenstown.

"We had a dream of what we would personally like," says Ross Wensley. "We thought if we liked it, others would, too." By listening to customers, they continued to develop their ideas, and it's a process that is continually evolving.

Wensley's latest project - a huge, luxury penthouse at The Outrigger at The Beacon - is a superb example of how far they have travelled to achieve an outstanding product. Fitted out with everything - right down to the potato peeler - it's not just an apartment, but a ready-made lifestyle for those that can afford the very best, be it a permanent residence, a holiday home or the option of having it managed, like a serviced apartment.

Wensley says the one fabulous aspect of Apartment 502 is the unobstructed, breath-taking lake views across to Cecil and Walter Peaks with a magnificent backdrop of the Remarkables. "There's nowhere in Queenstown where you can buy an apartment of this size with such a fabulous outlook just 200m from a choice of 120 restaurants. This location, its size and quality make it unique."

Designed for luxurious living by award-winning architect Edwin Elliot, The Beacon stands out as one of the most beautiful buildings in Queenstown. It introduces schist walls for an alpine flavour and natural colours, which blend into the landscape.

Residents park their cars in two basement parks, stash the skis, the golf clubs and the recreational toys in the lock-up cupboard and take the lift to the foyer. On the fifth floor, the apartment opens into a generous, welcoming entry that leads to four bedrooms, all with en suites.

The master bedroom at the front has big curved windows looking out to the lake, so you can lie in bed and admire the mountain view. There's a dressing room and tiled en suite with a spa bath, shower, double vanities and underfloor heating.

Further along, an office opens to a rear courtyard. It's designed as a meeting room so the owners don't have to leave home to entertain their clients.

The media room has a full movie screen covering the entire end wall. Connected to a music system, it doubles as a second lounge. The owners can watch their favourite movies or the latest sports game, and when not in use, the screen and projector disappear into the roof.

The living area - with a 2.6m stud height and 180-degree views from a 20m balcony where you can soak in a spa big enough for four - is designed to captivate. Arriving home during Queenstown's chilly winter is an enticing prospect when you have this large living space and a cosy ambience created by a gas fire and electric underfloor heating, which flows throughout the apartment.

The fully fitted, modern kitchen is set up with appliances, kitchen utensils, pots, pans and dinner services.

The other three bedrooms have king-size beds or large singles that can be zipped together to make a king-size. And as well as the movie screen in the media room, the apartment has five more televisions, one in each of the bedrooms as well as the living area.

One of the bedrooms is particularly large, like a hotel suite with a kitchenette, giving versatility for guests or a rental income.

Vital Statistics

ADDRESS: The Outrigger at The Beacon, 33 Lake Esplanade, Queenstown.

FEATURES: Luxury penthouse apartment with 180-degree lake and mountain views; 250m from central Queenstown; fully furnished; two underground car parks; four bedroom suites - one a self-contained suite for rental option; media room with large movie screen; office/meeting room; electric underfloor heating; gas fireplace; large living area opening to 20m balcony with spa pool; option to use as a serviced apartment; shared facilities include gym, barbecue areas, on-site manager, ski drying room, common lounge.

SIZE: Floor area 4880sq ft.

PRICE: $3 million (price includes complete furnishing fit-out, chattel list on request).

AGENTS: Michael Boulgaris and Derek Bulman, Wensley Developments. Ph 03 442 6988 bus; Michael 021 366 366 mob; Derek 021 685 520 mob.