Sky and land secured in Poolburn seclusion

A piece of Otago’s vast expanse of sky and land is up for offers to purchase as a special retreat or investment opportunity, where privacy and seclusion are guaranteed.

For the first time in over 25 years almost 1000ha of freehold land adjacent to the historic Poolburn Reservoir between the Ida Valley and Maniototo in Otago is being offered on the market.

Bayleys agent John Greenwood says the property’s Auckland owners have decided it is time to reluctantly look for another custodian to look after this unbelievable property, providing a rare chance to secure a coveted and unique piece of landscape.

“It is a particularly unique part of the country that has its own atmosphere, thanks to a landscape that includes these dramatic rock structures and of course that vast expanse of sky and horizon. That’s something you don’t always get in New Zealand,” he says.

It was the vista’s expanse and the unique rock formations that led Peter Jackson to recreate Rohan Village for the Lord of the Rings- the Two Towers on the property, with two buildings remaining as unwarranted structures today.

The property’s long horizons and rugged landscape make it instantly recognizable to Lord of the Rings fans seeking out Middle Earth scenes.

The reservoir itself dates back to the Great Depression and was created to provide irrigation through the Ida Valley Irrigation company to farms. Its meandering arms lend a reflective depth to the landscape, while also being home to healthy stock of brown trout.

Suitable for fly, spinning or trolling, fishermen have long enjoyed some good-sized trout out of the dam, while relaxing in the remote lake’s vast landscape in the many sheltered bays.

Spanning 901.06ha, Poolburn comes with complete access to the reservoir and a location on the renowned Old Dunstan Road, the old miners route established in the 1860s for access into Otago’s emerging gold fields at the time.

It is a remote driving adventure only accessible between October to June and one coveted by 4WD enthusiasts.

The remaining buildings on the property are not warranted, but with care and time could be revitalised, with property rights already in place.

“There is the potential to capitalise on that Lord of the Rings connection, something akin to the Hobbiton experience, and the site where the existing dwelling is an ideal lodge setting.”

Poolburn is on the market for only $3.5 million,(plus gst if any) representing extremely good value for the extensive holding in such a unique location, says John Greenwood.

“It is very rarely you get freehold title properties of this scale on the market that combines the features of water access, landscape quality and remoteness.

“It has its own special appeal for people who may seek out solitude in an increasingly noisy, busy world and we are certainly receiving plenty of interest from such types, and from people who see investment potential here,” says John Greenwood.