Residential -
Where landscape and humanity intersect and synchronise, the real magic happens…
Intrinsically drawn to this enviable slice of absolute Wānaka lakefront land he dubbed “the edge of the world”, wellness entrepreneur Matt Chapman envisioned a perceptively designed minimalist home that would optimise the special energy and sense of peace he felt there.
Engaging acclaimed architects Fearon Hay to conceive a modern-day shepherd’s hut to sit quietly on the 23.8ha landholding at the end of Roys Peninsula, the property named Synchronicity is purposely under-designed with pared-back simplicity.
This creates an intimate relationship between the structure and the landscape to allow the lake and mountains to be the hero of the story.
“It is this harmony between the environment and the domestication of it that makes Synchronicity really remarkable,” says Chapman.
“As custodian, I committed to nurturing the land to return it to its origins and encourage birdlife. The planting and tending of 25,000 natives have healed the environment.”
Wholly secluded on the hillside, with no other signs of habitation visible from inside the home, Synchronicity comprises a series of understated low-slung structures in muted cedar, glass, iron and concrete.
The fluid and multi-dimensional spaces allow for solitude, replenishment and rest while effortlessly morphing to become social and convivial on demand – like a Swiss army knife, the zones unfold, surprise, and flex.
The main home has two master suites with twin sitting rooms, two bathrooms with Japanese onsen-style baths, and an open-plan living and dining area with an indoor-outdoor kitchen. The interior colour palette draws on artwork by New Zealand contemporary artist, Chris Heaphy.
Comprehensive service amenities, along with two bunk rooms to sleep eight people, and a two-car garage and workshop with additional parking for recreational vehicles, are discreetly positioned beyond the core dwelling, and the site is wired for ambient sound and light.
Expansive decking blurs the lines between indoor and outdoor spaces, encouraging connection with nature, while a separate wellbeing zone features an ice bath, infrared sauna and hot tub.
Private trails traverse the property, with direct access to Lake Wānaka via meandering and deliberately untamed paths, and a pop-up campsite extends the accommodation options with an invitation to slow down and recharge.
Bayleys Frankton residential specialists Sarah McBride and Sarena Glass say Synchronicity will appeal to those seeking ultimate privacy, a passion for wellbeing and respite from the day-to-day hustle.
“This is truly a special part of the Wānaka region. Roys Peninsula sits boldly on its own in Glendhu Bay, with only a handful of properties – all out of sight of each other and where owners are collective guardians of the land.
“Synchronicity is unlike any property we’ve marketed before with its multi-use and thoughtful spaces to gather or retreat, to rejuvenate or socialise – all enveloped by the natural landscape with its almost other-worldly mountains and the calming lake.
“It’s just 30-minutes’ drive to Wānaka town, is close to Treble Cone ski field, and is a 90-minute drive to Queenstown Airport, making it beautifully connected yet seemingly away from it all.”
Change is on the horizon for Chapman as he aims to simplify his life while embarking on a new venture. While Synchronicity has been a labour of love and it is bittersweet to be relinquishing it, he trusts the next custodian will appreciate the attention to detail and the property’s provenance, and find solace, balance and connection here.
The moment is now…