Closeburn Lodge Residence – Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown, New Zealand 🇳🇿

Closeburn Lodge Residence, by Mason & Wales Architects, is a masterfully designed retreat that harmonizes traditional stone barn architecture with bold contemporary elements. The residence takes inspiration from Central Otago’s historic gold miner cottages and pastoral stone barns, reinterpreted on a grand scale. The six-bedroom lodge is composed of multiple gabled schist structures connected by glass and steel pavilions, including the striking “black butterfly” living pavilion with its outward-tilting roof. Every aspect of the home has been meticulously crafted to engage with its breathtaking alpine surroundings, from the strategic placement of outdoor courtyards to the seamless indoor-outdoor flow that maximizes mountain and lake views.

Name: Closeburn Lodge
Bedrooms: 6
Bathrooms: 7
Size: 9,687.5 sq. ft.
Lot: 2,572 sq m
Built: 2019

Perched high above Lake Wakatipu in Closeburn Station, just ten kilometers from Queenstown Village, Closeburn Lodge residence is a striking fusion of traditional and contemporary architecture designed by Mason & Wales Architects. Inspired by the historic stone barns of Central Otago, the six-bedroom holiday retreat is arranged in a series of gabled schist structures connected by sleek glass and steel pavilions. The most distinctive feature, known as the “black butterfly,” is a pavilion with an outward-tilting roof that captures panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. This thoughtful arrangement not only integrates seamlessly into the rugged alpine landscape but also provides a balance of communal gathering areas and private retreats, making it an ideal getaway for an Australian-based family and their guests.

Inside, Trinity Interior Design crafted a warm and sophisticated atmosphere that mirrors the natural surroundings. Baltic grey marble and oak timber flooring provide a timeless foundation, while custom cabinetry, plush furnishings, and biophilic design elements create a sense of refined comfort. The kitchen, positioned to offer dual perspectives of the lake and mountains, features two islands and minimalist black finishes that allow the scenery to take center stage. Each bedroom boasts an ensuite, with the master suite embracing deeper tones and luxurious textures, while the guest wing adopts a lighter, more relaxed aesthetic. The grand living spaces are divided between casual and formal areas, including an inviting lounge with seamless indoor-outdoor flow and a dramatic “good” room with soaring eight-meter ceilings and exposed trusses.

Despite the challenges of remote collaboration during a global pandemic, the project team executed a meticulous design process, ensuring every detail aligned with the client’s vision. The result is a retreat that harmonizes with its alpine setting while offering an elevated living experience. Every aspect, from the handcrafted stonework to the carefully curated interiors, enhances the home’s connection to the land and the ever-changing light that dances across the peaks and lake. Closeburn Lodge stands as an architectural landmark, merging the timeless character of Central Otago’s pastoral heritage with modern elegance and functionality.