Abbeyfield Wakatipu has been blessed with amazing support from the very beginning: in the persistence and vision of the steering group; the considerable material support of regional community funding agencies, private trusts and local societies and organisations; and the generosity and enthusiasm of individuals. It goes without saying that all Abbeyfields need this kind of support to get started, and survive.
Early in October 2007, Abbeyfield Wakatipu formally opened the doors of its first Abbeyfield House at Frankton, on a site overlooking the Kawarau Dam outlet from Lake Wakatipu, with mountain views all around, and within walking distance to the local Frankton shopping centre, medical centre, hospital and airport.
The finished product has garnered much admiration, and residents declare themselves well pleased with the facilities. The house is designed to take advantage of the elevated site and is positioned to allow all available light and sunshine into residents’ suites. It follows the now familiar “10-suite plus housekeeper’s flat and guest room” design of most New Zealand Abbeyfield houses. From every suite, the views are jaw-dropping, and residents wasted no time in tending and “customising” their own garden plots. We are so lucky to have a hearty band of volunteers who have designed and continue to maintain the impressive flower and vegetable gardens.
This year has been a full one: enjoying the hustle and bustle of either a “full house” or a tad under, and residents blossoming in the warmth and companionship Abbeyfielders thrive on.
Queenstown in particular and the Wakatipu generally may be best known for adventure, but cultural pursuits are high on the Abbeyfield Frankton agenda also. Abbeyfield Wakatipu enjoys wonderful support from an active and dedicated Friends group, who are always up for the celebration of birthdays, anniversaries, and feast days, as well as jaunts on the TSS Earnslaw, and the legendary New Year’s Glenorchy Races.
In October 2008, a year after formally opening the House, a hardy group (and that’s most residents) pulled on their long johns and headed for the mountains. A wonderful day out in the snow at Coronet Peak was topped off with afternoon tea provided at no cost by ski field owners NZSki.
So as we move into the next phase of maintaining an established house, it is with huge gratitude that we acknowledge ongoing respect and support from the local community – people and businesses.
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Who wouldn't want to live with these views every day?
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A productive, well managed vegetable garden - it's summer - note the snow missing from surrounding peaks
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A quiet corner of the house available to read, have a quiet coffee or just snooze....
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