Ararimu: Saddle up

Ararimu. 41 Farquharson Road, 

"Mum and Dad, can I please get a pony?" 

Horse lovers are well catered for on this substantial rural property, writes Penny Lewis. 

Many a suburban parent has feared this inevitable request from horse-loving offspring, as it usually involves expensive grazing fees and long car trips ferrying the kids to their equine friends every weekend. 

There would be no such problem for the new owners of this 3.133ha property at Ararimu, a 40-minute drive south of Auckland city. There's plenty of space for horses and what's more, the earthworks have been done and the power supplied for a dressage arena. 

Owners Hayley Camp and her husband Josh built their spacious house two years ago, with the intention of raising children Holly, aged 4, and Oliver, 17 months, there for many years to come. But it wasn't the anticipation of the children's interest in horses that was a factor behind the project - it was Hayley's. Hayley starting riding as a teenager and over the years moved from competitive showjumping to dressage. She continued to ride after Holly was born, but with two preschoolers found she didn't have the time. "Unfortunately, it's had to go on the backburner because dressage is a very singular sport." 

Set on a rolling hill, the two-storey home was designed by architect Juliet Pope, who is now based in Queenstown. The Camps liked her work so much they went on to commission her to design a helicopter hangar at Ardmore for Josh's business, Oceania Aviation. 

Hayley says she particularly wanted the house to be clad with Linea weatherboards, and wanted two separate living areas to cater for the family's needs as the children grew older. 

The approach to the house is up a sealed, tree-lined driveway. Once inside the front door, an impressive flight of stairs leads down to create a sense of arrival as full-height sliding doors straight ahead offer views of the green countryside beyond. 

To the left is the family area, kitchen, and an expansive living room. There's easy flow outside to a large timber deck that runs the length of the house. 

"It's huge, about the same size as the first house we built," Hayley admits. Upstairs from the family living space are three bedrooms and two bathrooms, one of which is the master en suite. The main bedroom is so spacious it even has its own sitting area. Hayley loves the views from here. 

The home's more formal dining and living spaces, as well as guest accommodation, are to the right of the front door. There's also a powder room, as well as space for a wine cellar hidden behind a secret bookshelf door off the formal lounge. Upstairs, the guest bedroom has its own en suite, as well as a loft that's an ideal place for children to sleep when they come and stay with their parents. 

Hayley says she wouldn't change a thing about her home. But after 10 years living in the country, it's time for a change, so the family is off to the city. 

The Camps will miss the peace and quiet of the countryside. 

"It's a great community, with lots of young families." 

A lot of the neighbours have horses - so any new owners with a penchant for riding will find their pursuit need not be solitary. 

Vital Statistics: 

BEDROOMS: 4+ 

BATHROOMS: 3 

GARAGE: 2+ 
 
SIZE: Land 3.133ha, house 481sq m (approx). 

PRICE: Interest expected over $1.05 million. 

INSPECT: Sun 1-1.45 pm, plus daily viewings. 

CONTACT: James Twigg, Barfoot & Thompson, ph 021 500668 or 09 292 4885. 

FEATURES: Underfloor heating, Bose sound system, gas hobs & fireplace, security system, elaborate water filtration system complete with ultra violet light, space for a wine cellar, 140sq m of decking, tarsealed driveway, 56,850 litre water tank.