The category one listed heritage ‘barn’ at Paradise will be looking all that more idyllic with the contribution of $173,280 for its restoration.
Central Lakes Trustees approved the grant at a Board meeting in August, as one of 11 grants approved by the Trust at a total value of almost $500,000.
“Paradise, as it is so aptly named, is a beautiful, remote spot in the world, next to a native beech forest on the edge of wilderness,” says Paradise Trust Chair, Tom Pryde.
“The ‘barn’ on the Paradise Trust’s 300 acres of land is one of a number of heritage listed buildings on the property. It also has a five bedroom guest house restored and available to the general public with a variety of accommodation options for a 'close to nature / wilderness / off-the-grid' style holiday.”
The barn’s restoration is to provide a year-round all weather venue with practical usable space for events such as weddings.
“The property offers uniquely kiwi and affordable accommodation,” Pryde says. “But for the Trust, restoring the barn extends the offering, hopefully providing additional income to sustain the heritage buildings and land.”
Central Lakes Trust supported Paradise Trust with $400,000 back in 2007 to repair and refurbish the historic homestead. Remotely located around 16kms north of Glenorchy, at the head of Lake Wakatipu near Diamond Lake, and close to the braided river valleys of Rees and Dart River, it offers a unique experience.
The property was originally owned and built in1863 by William Mason, New Zealand Government's first architect. The Miller family bought the property in 1949, and Paradise Trust was formed when it was gifted by David Miller in 1998 to protect and preserve it.
Other grants approved included four emergency COVID-19 grants to support groups the Trust work with who face an increased demand for services as a consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic.
In addition, Hospice Southland receive funds towards a much needed 4WD upgrade to their vehicle to ensure they can safely reach patients in the Wakatipu region.
Snow Farm NZ Limited receive support towards the build of a 32 bed hut for schools and community groups. Having outgrown their three small huts, the new off-site hut, will offer a separate teaching, living, learning facility, and will allow the farm to cater to the many school groups who use it as part of their winter outdoor education programme, but require on-field accommodation and classroom facilities.
Since the Trust commenced 20 years ago, it has returned over $115 million back into the community. A total of $6.10m of the $9.40 million grants budget for the 2020/21 financial year has been allocated to date.