Jason McGirr — in the news lately for donating $404,000 in profit from a Hanley’s Farm build to mental health charities Gumboot Friday and I Am Hope Foundation — has begun work on Shotover Rise, off the Stalker Rd entrance to Shotover Country.
He’s in cahoots with a local developer, and is using his own Fowler Homes team to build the houses.
The turnkey double-gable homes are priced from $1,716,000 for a three-bedder with a one-bed unit which can be rented out, to $1,895,000 for a three-bedder with a two-bed unit.
McGirr, who’ll keep one home as a showhome, says they’re going fast — he’s already got contracts on seven or eight.
"We know Queenstown’s not the cheapest place to live, but they’re well-priced."
About 70% of buyers are owner-occupiers, with the balance out-of-town investors.
McGirr says the first four foundations are prepped, with the first slab being poured this week.
"It’s not exclusive, but it’s slightly high-end."
He’s still waiting for infrastructure consents, but expects civils will be in place once the first homes are completed by the third quarter next year.
"I’m aiming to have all houses built and settled by quarter two 2026."
McGirr’s also laying the groundwork for a more affordable stage two, closer to the Ladies Mile highway, with smaller but still good-quality homes.
He’s pitching this stage to local first home-buying school teachers, and of his wait-list of 21 people, 14 are teachers.
However, this second stage of Shotover Rise, which is 7824 square metres altogether, is part of the wider Ladies Mile master-planned development, which is still awaiting final sign-off.
