4 Komokoriki Hill Road, Ahuroa. Photo / Supplied
You often hear the advice that you shouldn't buy the first property you see.
But Beth and Tim Chapman found that looking at other properties just confirmed that this 1.4897ha of land at Ahuroa was exactly what they wanted.
The couple were working in Auckland but Beth, a "farmer's daughter from the Mainland" had a strong urge to go back to the land.
"We were in Warkworth one wet Sunday and saw this land advertised in the window of a real estate company and decided to check it out," says Beth.
"I wanted a hill and north-facing as I am addicted to the sun. Tim wanted water and native bush, and the building platform was perfect without a huge amount of work.
"The land was sloping and had a large flat area for growing or grazing, which gave us a perfect layout for our garden."
They bought the land in 1991. While deciding what to build, they planted shelter belts on the south-west sides and the east side to give privacy from the road.
They have since planted 500 to 600 trees for all seasons and to encourage bird life.
"The tui is the first bird you hear in the morning and the last one at night," says Beth.
In 1996, the couple began building their one-bedroom standalone studio/flat with a kitchen, laundry and bathroom. They lived here from 1998 for four years, commuting to Auckland for work.
In 2000, they started work on the main house, shifting in two years later.
They had designed their large French-style provincial home on a restaurant napkin.
"I did all the jut-outs as I had to have sun in every room, and Tim did the curves," says Beth.
They took the napkin to a draughtsperson who drew up the plans and Tim started work on the build.
"The plan works extremely well and this does not feel like a large home," says Beth.
"When the family come to stay we can sleep 10 to 12 people comfortably."
Beth describes the home as being fully insulated and built from concrete block and solid plaster with American asphalt shingles and aluminium framed windows. Most of the windows are double-glazed.
The ground level has the main stepdown lounge with a wood burner, a second lounge/reading room, dining area, and entertainer's kitchen with granite bench and European appliances.
Bifolds from the dining/kitchen area open to a barbecue spot, and two stacker doors in the main lounge open on to the front decks and the views of the garden, rural land and bush.
On the second level are four large bedrooms with two en suites and a master bathroom with spa bath. Two bedrooms have ranch sliders opening on individual decks.
There is a small lounge and a dumb waiter from the garage for carrying firewood for the wetback burner.
Beth says Tim was fastidious with the build.
"Because of his experience in the industry, our home was built to the highest standard."
And Beth has used her interior designer skills in the house, placing extra windows to capture light and sun.
For heating they have the wood burners, underfloor heating in the kitchen, and a DVS system. The studio flat has a heat pump.
The property was originally part of neighbour Richard Dill's farm. Richard still has the farm and Beth (along with other locals) rides her horses over his 400ha property.
"We also walk over his land. At one high point and on a good day, we can see the east and west coasts."
Beth and Tim have used their land for grazing Beth's horse, sheep and cows, and if they have too much grass, they leave the gate open and a neighbour's stock come in and graze.
As well as riding here and at Omaha, they go kayaking. Matakana village is about 25 minutes away and they regularly go to the movies and take visitors to the markets.
"We use the east coast beaches in the summer months. And we love using the walkways year-round.
"We are approximately 12 minutes to Warkworth, which is now having a huge transformation."
Beth thinks being able to enjoy the peaceful surroundings, the birdlife and having great neighbours make this property special.
"We would love to see a family buy this house as I see my country neighbours' children are so balanced, caring and sharing people."
And she says their fertile land offers the potential to run a lifestyle business from home, suggesting it could be used for hens and organic eggs or growing saffron or native trees.
The mortgage is just the start of it.