Key Takeaways
- James Samson, the owner of a strip club chain called Calendar Girls, has sold his sprawling Christchurch estate for $6 million.
- The 7493sqm property, once known as the Calendar Girls Mansion, was purchased by a property developer, SG Residential Property, in an off-market deal.
- The sale is the second-highest in Christchurch this year, with the highest being a $9.55m deal for a mansion on Saint Barnabas Lane, in Fendalton.
- The property was once tipped to be New Zealand’s version of the Playboy Mansion and was used as a filming location for a show featuring 10 dancers.
Introduction to the Sale
The strip club boss, James Samson, has sold his Christchurch estate for $6 million in an off-market deal. The property, which spans 7493sqm, was bought by SG Residential Property, a company directed by Stacey Giles. Samson confirmed the sale, stating that he had been at the property for 25 years and had simply gotten bored. The sale is a significant one, being the second-highest in Christchurch this year.
The Property and Its History
The property, located on Russley Road near Christchurch Airport, was once owned by Samson’s mother, Vicki. However, all of Samson’s businesses were registered to that address. The property was also used as a filming location for a show called Calendar Girls Mansion, which featured 10 dancers living in the house and having their every movement livestreamed for 12 weeks. The show was a unique concept and brought a lot of attention to the property.
The Buyer and Their Plans
The buyer, SG Residential Property, plans to develop the site. The company’s director, Stacey Giles, has not commented on the specific plans for the property, but it is expected that the development will be a significant one, given the size and location of the property. The development is likely to change the landscape of the area, which is one of the last remaining undeveloped lifestyle properties in Christchurch.
Other Business Ventures
Samson has also been linked to a Viking-themed retreat in Kaiata near Greymouth, which offers an off-grid experience with onsite "barrel" accommodation pods. The retreat is marketed as the ultimate getaway for "battle-weary warriors" and features a unique and rustic experience. Samson has stated that he built the retreat to keep his son out of trouble and to tap into the international visitor market.
The Christchurch Property Market
The sale of the Russley Road property is a significant one in the Christchurch property market. The highest sale in Christchurch this year was a $9.55m deal for a mansion on Saint Barnabas Lane, in Fendalton. The mansion, known as Brenchley, is a 110-year-old heritage home that was sold within two weeks of hitting the market. The sale of the Russley Road property is the second-highest in Christchurch this year, and it will be interesting to see how the property market in the city continues to evolve.
Conclusion
The sale of the Christchurch estate for $6 million is a significant one, both for the seller, James Samson, and the buyer, SG Residential Property. The property has a unique history and was once tipped to be New Zealand’s version of the Playboy Mansion. The development of the site will be an interesting one to watch, and it will be exciting to see what the future holds for this property. With the Christchurch property market continuing to evolve, it will be interesting to see how this sale impacts the market as a whole.