Historic North Canterbury estate

The homestead was built in 1928 and overlooks 24ha of lawns and gardens. Photo / Supplied

The historic Tipapa Estate is one of North Canterbury's best kept secrets, according to Shane O'Brien, the national director of rural and agribusiness for Colliers International.

The owner has reluctantly decided to sell the property, comprising freehold land, buildings and going concern business which is an easy one-hour commute from Christchurch and its international airport, he says.

O'Brien, says 40 Motunau Beach Rd, RD1, Greta Valley, is hidden from view up a long drive by a stretch of lush mature trees.

Tipapa Estate is being offered for sale with the price available upon application, he says.

With grounds spanning over 24ha, the Heathcote Helmore-designed Tipapa homestead is thought to be one of the finest period houses in the South Island. "It has five spacious, beautiful, ensuite bedrooms and large interconnected living and entertainment areas opening onto the garden."

Originally part of the large Motunau Run, Tipapa was first settled in 1888 by a well-known landowner of the time, William Acton Adams, a prominent lawyer and financier from Christchurch.

Totalling about 4000ha, it was one of the original grand estates of the South Island.

"The woolshed was built in 1890 and the homestead was built in 1928. The family crest remains in the entrance porch etched in marble," says O'Brien.

"Part of the 127-year-old woolshed has been meticulously restored and wonderfully refurbished into a successful events centre. It has hosted at least 15 weddings each season."

The woolshed has also hosted corporate events and dinners, the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra, New Zealand Opera, as well as wine, food and fashion events.

Next to the main woolshed, the original stables and shedding complex has been converted into a gallery, office or boardroom plus small cottage which retain all the original character of a bygone era surrounded by large trees in a private rural setting.

A complete refurbishment of Tipapa was undertaken in 2004 with rewiring, re-plumbing and new central heating system providing a warm comfortable home but retaining the character and influence of its original grand design.

"The result is a mansion of tasteful elegance, looking onto landscaped herbaceous borders, rose gardens and rolling lawns," says O'Brien.

"The owner travels frequently and can no longer do justice to the compact estate. It's an incredibly beautiful, peaceful place, and is equally suited to either a private residence, a working farm or an events centre."

O'Brien says the picturesque property will have wide appeal to a range of buyers.

"With 670sq m of high quality accommodation, Tipapa offers a home that could equally be an up-market lodge, exclusive bed & breakfast business, or commercial enterprise."

Of special note, is that the property hasn't been structurally altered, having been in the same family until 1965 and only having one other owner since then.

"Its sale presents an opportunity to capitalise on New Zealand's tourism boom and the increased numbers of international visitors."

There's also a growing place in the market for properties like this with domestic tourists seeking specialist locations for weddings and corporate events, O'Brien says.