Okura: Delightful

Doug Warman knew his dairy farm at Okura would ultimately be subdivided into smaller units when he first walked the pasture more than 50 years ago. He was in the North Shore "wilderness". The Auckland Harbour Bridge was still on the planning table, and North Shore seaside residents were happy that they still had a chain of beaches largely to themselves.

Doug milked a herd of 200 cows on his property. Considered a big herd in its day, it reflected the fertile soil, strong pasture growth and sound farm management. But piece by piece the land was to fall to residential growth as the land-hungry suburbs began the march north towards the Hibiscus Coast.

Yet Okura, a delightful riverside settlement, is still spared the hustle and bustle of suburbia, because it is screened by long-established lifestyle units - a green belt is an appropriate term. In the settlement itself there are names like Gails Dr, Deborah Pl and Valerie Cres - the names of Doug's three daughters.

The Okura River has a boat launching ramp and sheltered mooring for larger vessels. The Hauraki Gulf and Waitemata Harbour fishing grounds are within easy reach.

The Warman farm has grazed dry stock in recent years. Much of it enjoys serene river views. There are expansive views, too, across the Gulf and north towards the Whangaparaoa peninsula. Also worth noting is the fact that much of the original character of the land has been presented in the form of glorious patches of native bush.

About 36ha of the farm are now being marketed by Bayleys, North West, in the form of a lifestyle subdivision called 12 Plus One. Prices are by negotiation. The subdivision comprises 12 units of about 2ha and one unit of 8.64ha. All units enjoy access to more than 9ha of protected native bush - a superb area, much of which is in the centre of the subdivision. Within the protected area there is a waterfall, sheltered picnic spots and a variety of bird life.

The developers have recommended building sites on each lot to capture the best of the harbour and river views, and building covenants have been applied to protect the visual integrity of the land against future development.

Much of the land is suited to viticulture, horticulture or equestrian activities.

For details, contact Shona Jurlina, Bayleys, North West, ph 417 0017 or 021 997 022, or Willi Bardohl, Bayleys, Takapuna, ph 489 0999 or 027 492 2925.