Issue #956

by Tineke Enright – Country Lane Retail Village

When I arrive at ‘work’ each morning, I can’t help but feel a deep sense of pride and satisfaction. Being part of the fourth generation on our family farm, every corner of this place holds a piece of our heritage. It’s an absolute joy working alongside my brother Bruce and sister-in-law Annika. Sure, we don’t always see eye to eye, but we respect each other’s strengths and always find a solution that makes us all happy. This collaboration has been the cornerstone of transforming our farm into what is now the Country Lane Retail Village.

We didn’t necessarily set out with the intention of collecting old buildings, but it’s grown into a defining feature of Country Lane. Each building we’ve rescued and restored has its own story and character, adding layers of charm and authenticity to our village. After what feels like an eternity of lobbying, submissions and being a pain in the backside for Council, we finally have the historic Queenstown District High School building, last occupied by the Queenstown Arts Society, on site! Diane Hart deserves a huge thank you for her unwavering dedication throughout this journey. We were grinning ear to ear as the building finally arrived and removing the plywood to reveal those iconic school house windows was a moment of pure joy. It’s great to finally have the backside of the Lake View Holiday Park cabins hidden. We’re planning to spend the next six to eight months renovating it, with the vision of creating a vibrant visual arts hub featuring artists’ studios and a gallery space. If anyone has stories about this old building, we’d love to hear them and keep its history alive.

Amid the rapid high-density development that surrounds us, we’re steadfast in our commitment to maintaining the rural essence of our farm. Country Lane is more than a collection of shops and cafes; it’s a sanctuary where people can reconnect with the simpler, slower-paced lifestyle of the past. We offer open spaces, farm animals, and a kids’ play areas – a place where families can relax and enjoy each other’s company. Our dedication to community and history is at the heart of everything we do.

As we look to the future, we’re filled with excitement and anticipation. Country Lane is not only a family legacy; it’s a community treasure that continues to grow and evolve. We invite you to join us on this journey, to share your stories, and to become a part of the living history that makes Country Lane so special. Together, we can create a space that celebrates our past, enriches our present, and inspires our future.

If you are interested in joining Country Lane, let us know by filling out our ‘Joining the Lane’ form via our website: www.countrylane.nz