The ‘absolutely unique’ farmhouse in the shadow of the Southern Alps

When agent Hamish Walker first set his sights on the red farmhouse nestled near the Southern Alps, he admits he was “incredibly excited”.

He’s been in the real estate game for a few years now, and even he still gets surprised by a property: “It’s absolutely unique. It still stands out as something quite special.”

The three-bedroom home is set on just under a hectare of parkland near Dalefield.

Built in 2000, Walker says the house has just the right “flow”: “The home wraps around the site to maximise sun and views, while each wing, or pod, maintains a strong sense of privacy from the others.”

Even though the 301m² home is just over two decades old, the owners — who wish to remain anonymous — have completed extensive upgrades, including a full kitchen and bathroom renovation, repainting both inside and out, and electrical system improvements.

For Walker, a standout space is the dining room: “It’s genuinely breathtaking. The elevation provides uninterrupted views of The Remarkables, which can’t be built out, and the setting is incredibly private.

“With glass on three sides, the dining space is an amazing place to watch the sunset — or, in winter, it feels like sitting inside a snow globe.”

Significant care has also gone into the gardens, with a wide variety of trees including native beeches, silver birch, Douglas fir, poplars, and tōtara.

Closer to the home, the landscaping becomes more formal, with features such as a lily pond, Persian silk tree, and hydrangea-lined pathways.

“The entire garden is designed for exploration and privacy, with established hedging and the natural topography ensuring no neighbouring oversight,” says Walker.

Another more unusual feature is a bear in the garden. “I’m told he’s keen to stay,” jokes Walker.

There’s also a wrought-iron rotunda, “perfect for afternoon tea”, and an Otago stone folly complete with a fireplace.

He says the property is “serene, quiet, and peaceful”, but also full of personality.

“You come up the driveway past your own forest into a sheltered courtyard, and it feels like you’ve stepped into another world.

“The house itself opens out into the gardens from almost every room, so there’s a constant connection to the landscape. It really does feel like a private retreat.”

Enquiries over $4,250,000 for 455 Littles Road. It is listed with Hamish Walker at Walker And Co.