Chatsford was selected over five other homes, which were judged on the quality of their building exteriors, gardens, driveways and signs.
The judges said they were ''wowed at every single turn by the absolute beauty of the entire village''.
''In a place so large one would expect to find something untended or requiring some TLC, or looking out of place, but everything, without exception, was immaculate.
''The variety of gardens, incorporating water features, flowers, shrubs, full grown trees - it was all there in all its glory. The driveways and exterior buildings were also maintained to the highest quality.''
Chatsford manager Shona Strett was thrilled at winning the award. She said the 324 residents were all extremely pleased with the work of the gardeners.
''They really appreciate the work the gardeners do.''
She said the team of nine gardeners each had a section to tend and nothing was left unattended.
''They just work really well as a team.''
Keep Dunedin Beautiful judge Darlene Thomson said the quality of Chatsford was ''just amazing.''
''From the minute we got here to the minute we left it was just `wow'.''
The judges were won over by the fact the gardeners composted green waste collected from residents.
''The thing that really did tip it over the edge is that they're doing an amazing amount of recycling.''
Head gardener Marg Costello said turning into green waste compost was ''a no brainer, really''.
''There's way too much waste that goes on in the world; there's really no need for it.''
The residents made the job worthwhile, she said.
Chatsford receives a plaque and a plant voucher from Blueskin Nurseries for the award.
The other rest-homes nominated were Queen Rose Boutique, Yvette Williams, Marne St Hospital, Birchleigh Residential Care Centre and Leslie Groves Hospital.
- Ben Tomsett
