BY CHARLOTTE COSSAR
Bordering Auckland's ever-expanding suburbs, Drury has a broad appeal for those seeking peace, privacy and spectacular views.
A 20-minute drive from Auckland's CBD (in non-peak traffic), Drury is well-known for its intensive horticultural industry (vegetables and flowers) and rural living.
Until five years ago Drury had its own identity as
a rural town within the Franklin District region. With the expansion of Papakura District Council, the area has been incorporated into this thriving community.
Close to the southern motorway, it is an equal distance from the east and west coasts, with their rugged beaches and safe swimming coves.
Drury and its surrounds attract mainly families looking for their second, third or fourth homes. They tend to be self-employed business people or commuters. However, the horticultural opportunities make it also popular with small-scale farmers. The buyers tend to be Aucklanders sick of urban living who want a bigger piece of land with views of the countryside rather than their neighbours.
SCHOOLS
The Papakura area is well-serviced by more than a dozen primary schools, including Papakura South, Papakura Central, Edmund Hillary, Kelvin Rd Primary and Opaheke Primary, two intermediates and two secondary schools, including the popular private school Strathallan.
AMENITIES AND LOCAL EVENTS
There is a small but bustling shopping centre at Drury village that caters for everyday needs. For other items Papakura shopping centre is a 6km drive and Pukekohe is just 10km away.
The Jolly Farmer, the local pub, has a weekend market in its grounds and provides a brunch service.
For those into sport, you are not forgotten. The area has a golf course, aquatic centre, recreation and fitness centre, and athletics, bowling, squash and tennis clubs.
HOUSE PRICES
Properties in Drury range from small lifestyle sections to large horticultural properties. A lifestyle property will cost from $350,000 to more than $800,000, depending on its size and dwelling. Bare land, depending on size, will cost between $250,000 and $450,000 and horticultural properties cost between $400,000 and $800,000.
The most sought-after locations are those at the top of Drury Hills, from which there are magnificent views, and lush level land, which is popular with lifestylers and growers.
