The former All Blacks captain, Richie McCaw, in tandem with ex-Black Sticks hockey sensation, Gemma McCaw, have ventured into a significant real estate development, erecting a multi-million dollar mansion upon the banks of the serene Hāwea River in Wānaka.
The grandiose project has commenced construction, spreading luxuriously across a 12,670sq m estate, the land itself estimated at $1.6 million by Queenstown Lakes District Council. This projection does not consider the imminent main residence, and a secondary building also intended for the sizable parcel. The couple, already possessors of numerous properties within Christchurch and Central Otago, added this swath of land to their assets last year.
Overlooking the salubrious Hāwea River and enveloped by an ‘Outstanding Natural Landscape’ corridor, their soon-to-be manor is dreamily located at Hāwea Flat, a scenic corner of Wānaka. An accessible pedal and pedestrian path skirts along the river’s edge adjacent to the forthcoming McCaw estate.
Lodging of a resource consent application with the Queenstown Lakes District Council took place back in July. While viewed planning documents reveal a blueprint for “a large single-storey dwelling with simple gable roof forms” amidst a locale known for its gusty winds. The proposed architectural materials comprise natural schist stone, vertical cedar shiplap timber, and Espan 340 profile Coloursteel roofing, slanted at a pitch of 35 degrees.
Despite the development’s proximity to a prioritized landscape area and an Outstanding Natural Landscape, urban designers and landscape architects have assuaged concerns. Their operation emphasized that the proposal wouldn’t noticeably impact the receiving environment due to their discerning choice of design elements, like chimneys and water tanks. Furthermore, they assure that the project will remain unimposing to the pleasure of trail users along the phenomenal hiking and biking tracks.
Boasting a median sales price of around $1.35m for houses, Wānaka has welcomed a deluge of wealthy individuals, craving for the luxurious lifestyle offered by this stunning region. It once housed the lavish Mahu Whenua complex owned by Canadian singer Shania Twain. Meanwhile, US tech magnate Peter Thiel and controversial US TV personality Matt Lauer even secured their pieces of the delightful locale.
The McCaw duo finds familiar faces within Wānaka, as former coach Sir Steve Hansen, and old teammates Ben Smith and Damian Mckenzie, all own properties in town.
The two exchanged vows in a secretive ceremony held in their favorite destination, Wānaka. Even before entering into matrimonial bliss, they owned a beautiful five-bedroom residence in an exclusive part of Christchurch.
The family of five, including their three young daughters, have been in France recently, fervently cheering for the All Blacks during the recent Rugby World Cup. However, Gemma McCaw evidently felt the pressures of managing three young children abroad, deciding to opt for an early flight home, describing the experience on social media as a “wild ride” to say the least.
