A luxurious exclusive-use villa located in New Zealand’s South Island, Falcon Brae is the perfect base from which friends and family can explore this remarkable landscape.
Falcon Brae is located at the confluence of the Stanley Brook and Motueka River, near Nelson at the top of New Zealand’s South Island. Named for the elliptical curved wing-like roofs and for the resident falcons on the property, as well as the Scottish for “a hill above a river,” the luxury villa is perched high above the Motueka river with 360-degree views of the mountainous million-acre Kahurangi National Park and the picturesque Motueka Valley. Accessible via 50-minute drive or 15-minute helicopter journey from Nelson Airport, the property is close to two additional national parks, Abel Tasman along the coast, and Nelson Lakes at the foot of the Southern Alps.
The award-winning architecturally designed contemporary villa features a sumptuous and expansive Great Room with a soaring 5-meter ceiling, magnificent stone fireplace, and sunken bar. As the owners of Falcon Brae are musicians and recording artists, the Great Room is designed with excellent acoustics, and a grand piano and guitars are available for guest use. In addition, the villa boasts a media theatre, show kitchen, four dining areas, and a stunning collection of New Zealand art. There is also a helipad, a ‘games den’ with modern gym equipment, a pool table, table tennis, darts and even a classic video game arcade table.
All suites have a large private deck, super king beds, luxurious bathrooms, deep soak bathtubs, spectacular fireplaces, full cocktail bars, tea and coffee-making facilities, underfloor heating and heated towel rails, high-quality television and audio systems, air conditioning, floor-to-ceiling windows, and private balconies from which to enjoy the spectacular views.
Perfect for entertaining, a large deck overlooking the mountains and river has multiple features including a sparkling pool, an outdoor heated spa, a seating area around a fire pit and a barbeque for outdoor dining and relaxing under a shaded pergola. On the other side of the villa, a secluded outdoor hot tub surrounded by native bush is the perfect place to catch the stunning sunsets and the magical star-studded night skies.
With an extensive 720 square meters (7,750 square feet) of living space, including three spacious suites and a family bunk room, Falcon Brae Villa offers complete privacy, making it perfect for families and friends travelling together. The exquisite pool-front Tasman Suite (1,453 square feet) opens onto an expansive manicured lawn and enjoys easy access to the pool, fire pit and spa deck with a shaded pergola. The river view and hilltop Kahurangi Suite (1,335 square feet) has a large central lounge area and bedroom, a sunken bath and a private deck that leads to an outdoor hot tub nestled into the edge of the hillside. The floor plans of both suites are virtually identical, providing equally spectacular accommodations for couples travelling together.
The romantic Motueka Suite (614 square feet) has a private terrace and outdoor fireplace directly overlooking the river. Located adjacent to the Kahurangi Suite, it is ideal for multi-generational families. The Family Bunkroom (270 square feet) is located directly across from the Motueka Suite and includes a double bed, two bunk beds and an en suite. It can sleep up to three children or accommodate a driver, pilot, security guard or nanny.
The villa sits on a stunning 350-acre property with a private forest, spectacular native bush walks and breath-taking 360-degree views over the surrounding mountains and the Motueka river, famous for its brown trout. The property also has security gate access and is completely off the grid, with its own solar-powered energy supply.
The dining experience at Falcon Brae Villa is an integral part of the guest experience, featuring garden-to-table cuisine prepared by private executive chef Michael McMeeken. Seasonal menus change daily and cater to any special dietary requirements. All pasta, pastries, bread, ice cream, sorbets, chocolate and sauces are handmade on-site. Chef Michael uses the best quality local ingredients including freshly harvested produce from the on-site organic gardens and bee hives, watercress from the bubbling creeks and items foraged from the native bush undergrowth on the property. Daily continental or a hearty cooked country breakfasts are included as well as pre-dinner drinks with canapes and a four-course gourmet dinner. Gourmet picnics can be arranged to accompany guests on their excursions and cooking classes are a popular activity. An impressive private wine selection is also available on the beverage menu.
You’ll also be kept busy with a raft of activities curated by operations manager Jeremy Hancock that includes visits to the region’s 22 wineries and over 30 craft studios and galleries; scenic helicopter flights, guided wilderness hikes, kayaking, white water rafting, heli-hiking, heli-fishing, Lord of the Rings heli-tours, horse riding, catch and release fly fishing, clays and sports shooting, fishing in the Marlborough Sounds, and adventures on the Great Taste Cycle Trail.
For larger bookings, a sister property, Stonefly Lodge nestled in the landscape 1.25 miles away, can be utilized for an additional eight guests, making a total of 17 between the two properties. Stonefly Lodge offers four deluxe rooms with super king or twin bed configurations and is also an off-grid property. All guests can be catered for at Falcon Brae Villa for dining.
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