Property owners 'Stoke'd with Nelson

Warren and Gillian McLew. Photo / Tim Cuff

Warren McLew and his wife Gillian aren't surprised their home suburb of Stoke in Nelson came up trumps through the slump.

They haven't looked back since moving from Mosgiel and buying their house on Keates Cres 25 years ago.

Then, the McLews paid $77,000 for the three-bedroom stucco property on a full section, and they've watched its value grow to its current $355,000.

Property values aren't the only thing that's grown in Stoke in that time - Warren estimates the population has more than doubled in size. "There's been an enormous amount of building."

But they don't have any imminent plans to cash up, and if they ever sell, they definitely won't be leaving Stoke.

Warren, a musician, works from home teaching drumming to budding talents, and says they've never bothered to shift because it's such a good spot.

"We're very happy where we are. It's an excellent location between Nelson and Richmond, handy to all the amenities."

As well as schools and a swimming centre, Warren says "any outdoor activity you want to do - boating, biking, tramping - everything is within 20 minutes' drive".