Sale price unknown as slice of Wānaka paradise off market

The lakeside estate where rugby royalty Richie McCaw tied the knot with wife Gemma has been snapped up after hitting the market in July for the first time in more than a century.

A Prime Real Estate listing for the 34-hectare Barn Pinch Farm on Wānaka-Mount Aspiring Road disappeared last week, and the sale of the property has revealed in industry publication OneRoof on Tuesday.

OneRoof reporter Nikki Preston says the agent involved, Phil Gilchrist, has declined to share the buyer's identity or the sale price, which she suggests may have been Wānaka's biggest yet.

Has this slice of paradise just secured Wānaka's biggest real estate deal to date? (Image: Prime Real Estate).

"Reports at the time (of it going on the market) said the property was looking for $20 million-plus, which would eclipse Wanaka's current sale record - $16 million achieved in 2023 by an architecturally designed five-bedroom home on Buchanan Rise, on Roys Peninsula, west of Glendhu Bay," Ms Preston says.

In an earlier story published on Crux to promote the property, Mr Gilchrist described it as having "rich history, remarkable surroundings and potential" making it "an ideal prospect for visionary buyers".

"The heart of the estate features a character-filled lodge-style home, erected in 1974 from timber sourced directly from the family’s Wānaka Station," he said.

"The residence, complete with bunkrooms, a swimming pool, a tennis court, and numerous outbuildings, is designed to accommodate large family gatherings and comfortably sleeps 20. Over the years, it has been the backdrop to countless memories."

The estate's grounds include mature trees, expansive, maintained gardens, and an olive grove with a wedding venue that has played host to many high-profile unions, including Mr and Mrs McCaw's in 2017.

Mr Gilchrist predicted the large land holding would "dramatically increase in value due to being so close to the Wānaka township".

The property originally formed part of Wānaka Station, acquired by Sir Percy Sargood in 1912. 

Jill Stewart Blennerhassett, a relation of Sir Percy, moved to the property in 2001, with husband Dr John Bartlett Blennerhassett.

Main image (Prime Real Estate): The 34-hectare Barn Pinch estate near Wānaka has sold to an undisclosed buyer for an undisclosed price.