Historic Paradise Guest House Officially Re-Opens

For Immediate Release

Historic Paradise Guest House Officially Re-Opens

The $900,000 restoration of the 19th century tourist guest house, Paradise House at the head of Lake Wakatipu, will be officially marked on Saturday April 24 with a community celebration.

Paradise House, in its spectacular location at Paradise in the Dart River Valley between Mt Alfred and the western face of Mt Earnslaw, was for many years an integral part of the tourist route.

The property was built by New Zealand’s first architect William Mason in 1883 as a holiday retreat. The Aitken family were the second owners and transformed the imposing building into a guest house which they operated for many years, pioneering environmental tourism in the region.

Subsequent owners were the Veint family from the neighbouring Arcadia property, who operated Paradise House until 1949, when it was sold to new immigrant Hugh Miller. It remained in the Miller family until his son David died in 1998.

David Miller’s vision was for Paradise to be retained for the use of Queenstown Lakes residents and visitors and on his death the Paradise Trust was established, co-ordinated by Queenstown lawyer Tom Pryde.

Trust chairman Bill Dolan says the $900,000 restoration of Paradise House was always the focus and funding from the Central Lakes and Otago Community Trusts and the Lottery Grants Board has made it possible.

“With the expert guidance of Queenstown conservation architect Jackie Gillies and the supervision of the New Zealand Historic Places Trust we have been able to achieve a wonderful result for the old house. The full circle has turned and we are now once again welcoming guests at Paradise House.”

Mr Dolan says Paradise House and the six cottages on the 130 ha property are designed as retreat style “away from it all” accommodation, ideal for small groups.

The opening ceremony will involve the Glenorchy community and those involved with the restoration project. The ribbon will be officially cut by Marijke Miller, daughter of David Miller and a Paradise Trust trustee.

“This will be a significant day for the Trust and the community,” says Mr Dolan. “We believe that we have captured David Miler’s vision and Paradise House will once again become an integral part of head of the lake activities.”

The opening of Paradise House will be followed by the re-dedication of the Glenorchy ecumenical church which has recently undergone a substantial renovation programme.

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