1034 Lee Stream-Outram Road, Outram, Dunedin City, Otago

Built as the grand home for the town’s surgeon, The Retreat is a classic country villa that’s still impressive more than a century on. Step inside the stained glass front door and you’ll feel calmed and inspired by the airiness, authentic character, and gorgeous garden glimpses from every room.

The peaceful living area – with chandelier, bay window, linen curtains, and commanding views across the Taieri – are perfect for sumptuous aperitifs at sundown. Or follow the grand hallway – still retaining its original kauri flooring, wallpaper and wainscoting – through to a sheltered courtyard that captures the light and warmth of the morning sun. It’s the perfect spot to start the day with a coffee and the captivating chorus of native birdsong.

The large kitchen and dining area may have a traditional aesthetic but its functionality is completely contemporary and boasts stone benchtops, plenty of storage and well-considered lighting. From here, double-glazed timber French doors open out to an expansive, securely-fence flat lawn surrounded by mature trees proving privacy and ambience.

A spacious mudroom has a separate entrance from the large front porch and two well-equipped tiled bathrooms that feature a clawfoot bath, pedestal basin, and nickel and chrome tapware. The character features continue throughout the four double bedrooms including chandeliers, high stud paneled ceilings, Victorian fireplaces, tall skirting boards, fluted brass light switches and luxurious velvet curtains.

A log burner and central heating are both quiet and efficient to keep the entire house cosy over the wintery months.

Connected to the town water supply, the two-hectare property also contains a native bush block with delightful meandering path, heritage fruit trees including quince and elderflower, double garage, photogenic barn and gardeners’ hut, and multiple paddocks and holding pens with shade and water for stock.

The Retreat is a space to think, to work, to entertain, to relax, to create, to dream, and to recharge. It’s that rare as hen’s teeth opportunity that combines sophisticated country living just one minute to Outram township, ten to the airport and twenty two to the central city.