Floating homes are generally associated with, say, Tom Hanks/Meg Ryan rom-coms, not ski country. But New Zealand is an island, after all, so put into context, this 3-bed, 3-bath, industrial-chic pad overlooking the adventure capital and ski resort of Queenstown makes perfect sense. More than that, it's a feat of architectural and design genius befitting of a country known as Aotearoa, the Land of the Long White Cloud. In this case, the clouds are close, since this $4.85 million home is cozied up to the 7,680-foot Remarkables range (which have their own ski resort). Let's take a closer look at this dreamy property, known as Pokapu (Maori for "center"), shall we?
Located on over 100 rural acres, Pokapu sits on a pond nearly half the size of the 5,920-square-foot property. The design makes the most of its isolated alpine location, with an expansive outdoor terrace/patio that provides panoramic views of Queenstown and the surrounding mountains.
After a soak in the hot tub (which evokes New Zealand's countless natural springs), stroll back up the wood-plank boardwalk to the airy, well-appointed living and entertaining areas for a hot toddy or three. It took over 1,740 metric tonnes of concrete to construct Pokapu's framework, not counting the waxed concrete floors and walls (the latter also contains schist, a nod to the craggy mountain setting). The open design centers around the sleek, stainless-accented kitchen, but when you're ready for some downtime, there are two double bedrooms with a shared private common room. Snuggle up in a fur throw, kick off those sheepskin slippers, and drift off with the happy knowledge, this is not a dream.
· Sotheby's International Realty [Official Site]
· Chalet in the French Alps Is the Sexiest We've Ever Seen [Curbed Ski]
· A Look at the Six Major Styles of Ski Home [Curbed Ski]
· The Snow-Lover's Bucket List: 33 Things to do Before You Die [Curbed Ski]