138 Boord Crescent, Kumeu. Photo / Supplied
The promise of a better lifestyle lured Mike and Diana Patchett and their young son Nelson from Australia to New Zealand and eventually to this lifestyle block at Kumeu.
"My wife is Canadian, and I am Australian," says Mike. "We had been planning to come across the ditch from Brisbane to improve our quality of life.
"I had worked in New Zealand before. I think it is a beautiful country with rich multi-cultures."
They bought this Kumeu property three years ago.
"We initially looked around Albany and the bays of the North Shore before deciding a rural lifestyle on the outskirts of Albany was for us," he says.
"While renting a lifestyle property near Coatesville we tested our cropping and livestock skills and searched for a suitable lifestyle property of our own.
"Six months on and many Sunday viewings later we bought a 2.1ha property of comparatively flat land." The location was ideal as Diana was principal at Kristin Junior School at Albany and wanted to live near her work. Mike works from home.
"This area has deep alluvial soils, great for growing things," says Mike. "And it has a history around horses with a trotting track, equestrian centre, and the Huapai pony club is not far away. The surrounding vineyards, wineries, strawberry farms and grazing land make a beautiful landscape."
Diana rides and this property had been set up for equestrian pursuits with two horse stables, tack room and black post and rail fencing.
"Diana, Nelson and I set about planning the rural lifestyle we wanted and what we needed to do to the property to enable this," says Mike.
"We love gardening so we planned and created a landscaped yard with mostly native plants. We get lots of birds coming in.
"We added a wetland that changes with the seasons. Nearby, raised vegetable gardens, orchard and berry patch enable self-sustaining food production. The surrounding large trees give a wonderful green and private place as well as seasonal change."
Their five paddocks are fenced and watered. Swale drains were put in last year to improve the flow of rainwater in winter.
"We graze a few whiteface cows, sheep and lambs and a horse. Added to this are a couple of pigs, chickens and ducks to ensure a steady supply of meat and eggs. Our property has a special karma or vibe. It enables the good life."
Mike says their three-bedroom, two-bathroom weatherboard house is "modest yet practical, dry and warm in winter".
The living area is open plan with kitchen, lounge and dining area opening to the decks, as does the master bedroom.
"We added a spa pool and deck extension for relaxing morning or night, all year round."
Another project was the paved entertainment area with a stone fireplace and barbecue.
Inside, a wood burner heats the living space and they can open the doors to the hallway to warm the rest of the home.
"Because it is not a large house, it is easy to heat. It is north-facing and gets the westerly sun so that creates a lot of heat," says Mike.
"The great thing about this property is that it is flat. You can stand on the deck and look over all the property and check on your livestock. I can wander around the veranda and count the sheep.
"And we are about 300 metres back from the crescent, that gives us lots of privacy."
They are handy to shopping, schools, sports and equestrian facilities.
"The larger commercial centres of Westgate and Albany are not far away," he says.
"And we like the beaches and the surf at Muriwai and Bethells which are about 20 minutes away.
"We also do a bit of walking in the Waitakeres when it's not restricted."
The family is selling to move to Christchurch where Diana will be executive principal at St Margaret's.
Industrial projects dominate new supply, the study found, comprising 65% of new stock.