The 4.5-star hotel’s new manager, Colin McLean, formerly of Northland, began working in Wānaka in December.
He is excited about the opportunity to be involved in the project, which has been years in the planning, and also at the chance for him and his partner to raise and educate their children in Wānaka.
Final architectural drawings are still being worked on and could not be released yesterday.
However, containers were on site and workers were clearing 26 units that would be taken "off line" for guests this winter and renovated during phase one of the three-phase project.
Another four units would be affected by views of construction, so they would also be taken off line.
Mr McLean said a large garage sale was being planned in a couple of weeks’ time.
"They are pulling stuff apart ... clearing up furniture into containers.
"We are going to do a big garage sale in a couple of weeks of all our old stuff, bargain furniture. Some of it will be dated, to be fair, but there could be a beer fridge in it," he said.
The refurbishment programme would modernise the hotel and complement Edgewater’s spectacular lakefront setting, Mr McClean said.
There would not be changes to the exterior look of the buildings.
Phase one would affect a third of the beds on offer and should be finished by October.
Units would get air-conditioning, double-glazed windows, bathroom revamps, LED lighting and new joinery, furniture and interior styling.
The restyled kitchenettes would have full-sized refrigerators, new cook-tops, range-hoods and cabinetry.
The construction area would be fenced but the rest of the hotel would operate as usual this winter, Mr McLean said.
Phases two and three would happen in the winters of 2024 and 2025. Eventually all guest rooms and guest areas would be done.
There are 65 units (103 rooms) in the hotel. Units are owned by a group of New Zealanders and are leased to the hotel.
Owners are represented by a board of directors and the land is owned by a body corporate.
Mr McLean said the owners had confirmed the refurbishment some time ago.
About a third of the budget would be covered by contributions from hotel profits.
Unit holders would contribute to the remainder through a share and dividend scheme.
"It is a beautiful spot ... Because it is owned by the unit holders, they use them as holiday homes, they all want to maintain it," he said.
The hotel has been busy with guests at Wheels at Wānaka and Ferrari club events.
"We had a busy Easter. That is why we are starting now, so we got Easter out of the way."
