WELCOME TO STAMFORD HOUSE

Stamford is an exceptional property that sits on 40 acres of land surrounded by beautiful North Canterbury countryside only 35 minutes from Christchurch Airport.

The home was inspired by the style and proportions of Georgian architecture. The concept was to create an evolutionary feel that imbued a sense of authenticity, ensure a modern relevant comfortable feel and maintain an ageless aesthetic.

Stamford started with a simple castellated Oamaru stone square tower which “now” houses the library and guest room upon which a grand house was evolved. Special care was taken to ensure that the feel of the house was in keeping with brief with materials, building techniques and execution undertaken without compromise.

The home was several years in the creation and had input from an internationally renowned restoration architect.

“Stamford is a wonderful home that we’ve been proud to share with family and friends from all over the world. Our guests have appreciated the comfortable blend of classic design and beautiful location with views from Motanu Island to the Port Hills. We hope the new owners will enjoy it as much as we have.”

THE INTERIOR

Entering through the vestibule, you will enter the grand double height drawing room where you are welcomed by two fire places and three Juliet balconies. These can be closed to make the living quarters discrete or left open to create a homely upstairs/downstairs connection. At night the solid shutters on the eight large windows create a panelled ambiance traditionally lit by a bespoke handcrafted chandelier.

Adjacent to the drawing room is an orangery inspired sun-room with a five metre opening to the lawn allowing a grand indoor/ outdoor option.

The East facing kitchen/dining room offers views towards the ocean that can that be transformed into a panelled dining room for a more formal dining experience. The kitchen is discrete and yet very practical with an attached pantry including a dumb waiter to the upper storey.

Connecting the kitchen with the drawing room and with windows looking both north and east is a family sitting room that could be used as a separate dining room. In the West wing is the study clad in Kauri wood creating a wonderful ambiance for work.

Family living is complete with a gym, utility room, service staircase and four lavatories on the ground floor. The triple car garage under the West wing bedrooms has huge amounts of bespoke storage behind bedroom quality doors, such is the attention to detail.

Formal access to the upstairs living quarters is provided by a broad and grand handcrafted staircase leading to a very generous hall way with access to the Juliet balconies and the bedrooms.

The large master suite has windows on three aspects with views of Mount Grey, the front gate and across the entire estate. As befitting this magnificent property, a lavishly appointed private bathroom and dressing room round out the features of the suite.

Completing the generous accommodations upstairs are a further five bedrooms, additional bathrooms and a handy laundry chute to the utility room downstairs.

THE EXTERIOR

Once through Stamford’s discrete dry-stone wall gates, you will sweep up a curving drive to approach through a second set of gates to be greeted by a welcoming front door. As you draw near, the subtle detailing of Oamaru plinths and sills, solid block build, deep eves, artisan made sash windows slowly become apparent and start to explain why the whole overall effect of Stamford is so effective from afar. As you walk around the house, you appreciate the fastidious attention to detail and quality of the workmanship. The block-work outdoor sheds are even castellated to match the house which brings a sense of flair and fun.

“The house was conceived to be interesting to look at from all angles, stimulate conversation and perhaps even stir the imagination”.

THE GARDENS

Starting as bare farmland less than 20 years ago, the low maintenance formal gardens and private park like surrounds have matured and as originally conceived now frame and compliment the house perfectly. Multiple sheltered seating areas are conveniently sited for maximum enjoyment in the rose garden, orchard and surrounding land.

“I have loved reading and relaxing, soaking up “big sky” views looking back at the house and the surrounding countryside while the children have made as much noise as they want. There really is no substitute for space. It has been wonderful”.