For the love of Greytown

LOVE MY TOWN: Photographer Rebecca Kempton (left) and estate agent Amy Bailey have created a how-to guide for newcomers to Greytown.

A new settler in Wairarapa and a descendant of the first settlers have teamed up to help show off their "favourite little village".

Greytown resident and estate agent Amy Bailey has designed and created The Little Guide to Living in Greytown, a handbook for newcomers and new home buyers. The book contains information on the town's amenities, eateries and essential services, and is accompanied by artistic photos by fellow Greytown local Rebecca Kempton.

Amy, who works for Property Brokers Greytown, said she was inspired to create a "how-to" for prospective Greytown dwellers after noticing an influx of buyers from outside the area.

"There wasn't really a one-stop shop with information about actually living here," Amy said. "I did have a Word document with some facts I'd share with clients, but I thought, 'we can do better than that'."

Amy and photographer Rebecca are both Greytown devotees -- though their stories are quite different.

In 2010, Amy and husband Steven relocated from Wellington -- and "haven't looked back".

"In Wellington, I was really struggling with the weather, and the busy lifestyle, and not knowing who my neighbours were," she said.

"In Greytown, I just loved the ease of living.

"You can walk everywhere, you see people you know in the streets every day, and can actually find a carpark."

Rebecca, by contrast, is a Wairarapa native: she was born and bred in Carterton, where her family has lived for several generations, and her husband is a descendent of Greytown pioneer Thomas Kempton.

"My kids are seventh generation Greytown people," she said.

She and her husband lived in London for many years, but were enthusiastically welcomed back to Greytown on their return.

"The place had changed a lot. When I was young, it had a couple of shops, and a hairdressers.

"Now it's like the vibrant areas of London with beautiful cafes and shops -- with the country two minutes away."

Her and Amy's love for their town is reflected in their guide book -- from Rebecca's artfully shot images of its playgrounds, Victorian buildings and street signs, and Amy's comprehensive list of information.

Facts of note include transport links, weather, real estate information, health services, schools and kindergartens, restaurants, groups and clubs to join, and regular events, plus some quotes from residents.

"We wanted to go for something stylish and fresh, but not too flowery," she said.

"People seem to love them so far."

And with Greytown properties getting "snapped up" by Wellingtonians and Aucklanders, she may have to do several print runs.

"It's been nuts -- we've had houses on the market on a Thursday, and an offer's been made on Sunday.

"People just love Greytown."