22 Hicks Road, Lower Shotover, Queenstown-Lakes, Otago

A close neighbour of the Shotover River, this remarkable property is a rare confluence of architecture, landscape and history.

Set across 4,803 square metres of beautifully landscaped grounds, it unfolds in three chapters - a contemporary four bedroom home, a self-contained flat and Hicks Cottage, built circa 1867. Together, they form a composition of character-rich heritage and modern comfort.

Architect Jessie Sutherland from SA Studio’s vision is one of quiet strength and light-filled spaces. Schist, oak, concrete and steel meet in perfect accord — a tactile celebration of the area’s palette. Precision detailing throughout speaks to design integrity where every element has been considered, from the flush steel window surrounds and rebated curtain tracks to the sculptural oak barn door.

The award-winning kitchen blends rich character with premium materials and appliances. Marble and French Oak pieces lead through to a generous scullery, keeping life’s practical elements at hand but out of sight. Sunlight spills through a rain-sensing skylight, one of many smart systems weaved into the home, combining with intelligent eco-credentials which include a solar package with Tesla battery system.

Extensive use of glass draws the eye outward to the mountain silhouettes of Cecil Peak and The Remarkables, capturing the play of the alpine seasons. The glass-lined hallway is a gallery of changing light, stepping onto a deck sheltered by electric louvres and outdoor heaters.

The master suite is a private haven - a spacious sanctuary of rich textures leading through hidden doors to a fitted wardrobe and exquisite ensuite. Three further bedrooms and a family bathroom carry the same refined aesthetic, with colour and material choices speaking of permanence and care. A lined and carpeted garage, dedicated laundry and comfortable multi-purpose room in the loft add flexibility.

The restored Hicks Cottage brings living history to the land. With cedar cladding and hand-finished timber interiors, it has been lovingly restored, providing a sound income stream or guest retreat. Beyond the main residence, an adjoining one-bedroom flat offers independence for guests or family.

Native and ornamental plantings unfold through the seasons. An orchard ripens beside the gated entry and a spa pool is tucked into the hillside. There’s a stone-flagged greenhouse and heritage relics nodding to the land’s pastoral roots, plus direct access to the Queenstown Trail.

22 Hicks Road offers an experience of belonging, a bridge between eras where space, authenticity and a road to the future are as important as the links to the past.