Coromandel Peninsula: Hosts with the most

A coastal hideaway that doubles as a tourist attraction is for sale, writes Liz Dobson.

1490 SH25, Te Kouma, Coromandel Peninsula.

After a tough day at work, with a one hour commute each way, there was one thing that revived Val McFarlane every evening over the past 10 years - the view from her Coromandel farm.

Val no longer has to drive from Te Kouma to Thames and now nips a few minutes down the road to Coromandel township for her work as a receptionist, but the uninterrupted view of the magical Coromandel Harbour from her home is still a pleasure to come home to.

Val and husband Bill have had many visitors who can attest to the invigorating attributes of their lifestyle getaway - for the past 12 years the couple has held farm visits.

"People just love the farm. You can feed the pet lambs and pat the sheep. Some people have never seen animals, let alone touched them," explains Val.

"A creek runs through the property, and kids play in it. We just had our 6-year-old grandson Regan here and there is always something for him to do."

While the special spot holds many wonderful memories for the couple, it has also been a slice of Kiwi heaven for many overseas visitors. The couple run a homestay from the one-bedroom unit attached to their octagonal-shaped home.
"Tourists just come straight from Auckland airport and just blob out here. We have a casual atmosphere. People can stay without being pressured. That's the bonus; they can sleep all day if they want."

But if guests want something more invigorating, they can go fishing with Bill - then cook their catch on the barbecue while looking over the Coromandel Harbour.

"Bill loves fishing and there is an all-tide wharf nearby. We grow our own veges all year round - even bananas - and have sheep and chickens," says Val. "It's just awesome here; we have all-day sun, and the house is always warm."

Nestled in a secluded spot, the main house is made from Coromandel slate and has extensive decking, a stone courtyard and a barbecue area that Val and Bill spruced up since buying the property.

After farming for most of their working lives, Val and Bill were visiting friends in Te Kouma when they spotted the home for sale. The couple fell immediately in love with the spot, sold their Bay of Plenty kiwifruit farm and made a massive lifestyle change.

But after more than a decade in their getaway, they've decided that the 2.9ha farm is too much work for them and it's time for another lifestyle change.

"I want to do quilting," laughs Val. "Bill and I want to have time together before we get too old. We'd love to stay in the Coromandel area."

Val reckons the property would suit people wanting to continue running it as a homestay, those keen on fishing, or a retiring farmer who still wants to run animals on the land. 

Vital Statistics

BEDROOMS: 4

BATHROOMS: 2

GARAGE: 2

SIZE: Land 2.9ha. house 190sq m.

PRICE: $1.5 million.

INSPECT: Labour Day Monday October 24 11am-noon, or by appointment.

CONTACT: Barbara Peddie, Century 21, ph 424 2775, 07 866 8283 a/h.

FEATURES: Stunning octagonal home with three bedrooms and a bathroom in the main house plus an attached one-bedroom unit that sleeps up to four. Amazing views over Coromandel Harbour. Private but just minutes from Coromandel township.