Awhitu:A juicy buy

By CEDRIC GRAY.

The forthcoming auction of a delightful property on the Awhitu peninsula is expected to further highlight the potential of the region in the fruit and viticulture industries.

Brookvale Citrus, in Brook Rd, Awhitu, is a well-established citrus orchard owned by Ian and Diana Graham. The beautifully sheltered property comprises 6.1755ha of gently sloping land, and is one of the few pockets on the southern shores of Manukau Harbour under cultivation.

The orchard includes 2400 mandarin trees, 330 meyer and lemonade lemons and 270 naval oranges. Production is about 57,000kg of fruit a year, a high percentage of which is export quality.

Most of the trees were planted between nine and 18 years ago, and 180 new cuttings of lemon were added last year. Brookvale Citrus was previously part of an organically farmed unit, and the fertile, sandy, loam land is now enclosed by well-trimmed cryptomeria and alder shelter belts. The orchard is irrigated by a plentiful supply of bore water.

About a hectare of the property provides good grazing and the potential for expansion - the Grahams are at present considering the yen ben variety of lemon for future planting, because of its popularity on Japanese tables. A boutique vineyard is another option.

Brookvale, a comfortable 50-minute drive from the southern motorway, is in the heart of an increasingly popular recreational area. The nine-hole Awhitu golf course is across the road, the Awhitu Regional Park is within walking distance and there are white, sandy beaches with boat ramps nearby.

Facing north and with views of the Manukau Harbour, the Tuscan-style house introduces a distinct Mediterranean flavour to the property. Built just over a year ago with an eye to the future, the 270sq m house on two levels makes provision for possible homestay accommodation on the ground floor, where there are two double bedrooms, a separate entrance, a bathroom and separate laundry.

The attractive upstairs area features merbau hardwood flooring throughout, an open-plan design from which the kitchen, lounge and dining areas flow through bifold doors to a tiled viewing deck and a sheltered outdoor dining cove. The large master bedroom, with an en suite, is also on this level.

A feature of the well-manicured Brookvale landscape are two small lakes, one of which has native trees and grasses to beautify the surrounds. The lakes attract a range of birdlife.

The property is being auctioned by Bayleys, Papakura, on April 23. Contact Larry Tomkins on 298 2525 for details.