Country living for city people

By CEDRIC GRAY

Three rural waterfront properties, two on the upper reaches of the Waitemata Harbour and the third overlooking an estuary of the Manukau Harbour, are attracting interest because of their proximity to the city.

The Manukau property comprises 1.4ha in Hingaia Rd, Karaka, and is part of the St Nesbit boutique winery, where more than 10ha are planted with grapes.

The property has appeal on several counts. It is within a few minutes' drive of the southern motorway, the new Strathallan College is nearby and privacy is assured by a picturesque 300m tree-lined driveway.

There is new post and rail boundary fencing, the property is slightly elevated, well sheltered by mature trees, and has attractive views across the estuary.

According to Bevin Allen of Harcourts, Papakura, there are few properties of similar size available for development in the district. The property will be auctioned through Harcourts, Papakura, on June 23. For more details, phone Bevin on 298 6024.

The two Waitemata properties are on Scott Peninsula, Hobsonville, where they command views across the marina to Auckland City. One of the properties comprises about 2.4ha, and for a number of years carried 1000 citrus trees planted by the vendors, Fred and Theresa Smith. About 100 trees have been retained.

The couple has lived on the peninsula for almost 70 years, and although this is the first time the property has been placed on the market, an adjoining area of 36ha sold 30 years ago for between $120,000 and $130,000.

Fred says the soil "is as good as any you will find in the Waikato." The land slopes gently to more than 100m of waterfront with a sheltered sandy beach.

It will be auctioned through Bayleys, West Harbour, on June 13. The other property of 6023 sq m, with 10m of water frontage, will be auctioned by Bayleys, West Harbour, on June 6. For further details, contact Shona Jurlina on 09 416 7788.