Bearsden, Wakatipu's newest bed and breakfast, was a seven-year "labour of love" for owners Margie Slattery-Smith and Ned Smith.
Mrs Slattery-Smith said the renovation provided a few challenges, which made the outcome even more rewarding.
"It has taken a bit of time, but we did it in stages. Going upstairs three years ago was a major stage.
"Renovation is a builder's nightmare. You never knew what you were going to find. The walls weren't straight; the floors not level," she said.
Designed by architect Mark Scaife, the house has been extended to a second storey.
The couple have a bedroom and bathroom upstairs and two en-suite rooms for guests downstairs.
The site previously housed the Millers' Flat Church, which was moved to the grounds of Arrowtown's St John's Church in the 1950s.
Built in the 1960s, the bach was in need of renovation when the couple moved in in 2003.
"We had to live in the garage for a couple of months, but we did a lot of the renovation ourselves, ripping up carpets, painting, some joinery.
"I'm glad we took our time because as you progress you change your mind and get better ideas," she said.
The outside was also redesigned, with decking, gravel and an outdoor fireplace and spa pool added.
However, with rising building costs they decided to sell the land and buy the old bach at Lower Shotover Rd when it came on the market for a "good price", Mrs Slattery-Smith said.
"Having a B&B was always one of those things Ned and I wanted as a retirement package.
"We both enjoy meeting people and helping them enjoy the area," she said.
They opened the rooms to guests and the website went live on April 2.
She said they had more guests than expected, particularly for a shoulder season.
The most rewarding thing was getting good feedback from guests.
Their target market is couples who are independent travellers.
The registered B&B has had a lot of inquiries through its link on Destination Queenstown's website.
The couple also owns an underfloor heating business, Warm Up Southern Lakes, and a tiling business, Sticks and Stones.
They employ four staff and Mrs Slattery-Smith does all the bookkeeping.
She had previously worked as an area manager for Tourism Holdings Ltd and sales manager for Red Boat Cruises.
She aimed to give her guests the option of personal attention.
"We want to give people a feel for the area because they are staying in our home," Mrs Slattery-Smith said.
She also can give guests advice from her 25 years' experience in the ski industry.
Australian-born, Mrs Slattery-Smith is a former ski instructor and has skied and worked in Australia, Canada, the United States, Europe as well as New Zealand.
She moved to New Zealand in 1989 and immediately fell in love with Queenstown.
"You can't beat Coronet Peak for variety, fun and consistently good snow conditions - if you know where to go. The Remarkables, Cardrona and Treble Cone also have a lot to offer.
"It is fantastic that we have such a variety of ski areas to choose from right on our doorstep," she said.
"Queenstown is like a little slice of Europe just over three hours' flight from Australia. When I first arrived, I was blown away. I couldn't believe I had waited so long to come here."
The guest rooms at Bearsden have binoculars so people can open the curtains in the morning and enjoy an uninterrupted view of Coronet Peak.
"You can literally see the snow groomers working morning and night, and check out skiers and boarders making first tracks," she said.
