Bombay: Ripe for development

This fabulous rural property is the definition of potential. By VICKI HOLDER.

Grapevine rootstock is vital for the healthy production of top wines. It's what this property on the sun-drenched northern slopes of the Bombay Hills is all about, along with another 2ha of spare land offering fertile, free-draining soil for other crops.

Until now, Keith Pasley and Miranda Bennett have enjoyed the supplementary income they've earned supplying specialist vine nurseries throughout New Zealand while they work nine to five days elsewhere. It's a wonderful lifestyle, giving their family the shared benefits of town and country.

Their rootstock is phylloxera resistant, which tends to impart earlier fruit ripening to whatever varieties are grafted onto it. As it's suitable for free-draining soils, often chosen for vineyard development in New Zealand, it's in high demand.

The rootstock production area of the property uses about 2ha of the 5.6ha property. Although the lower area of the rootstock mother planting has not reached full production yet, it's expected to mature in winter next year. By that time the area should be capable of producing about 330,000 cuttings with a gross income of about $100,000 to $120,000, based on current prices. Rootstock mothers have a long-term life and are relatively easy to grow and produce. The major annual costs are training and harvesting, processing, storage and distribution of the cuttings.

The future owners have many choices to increase their income, for the full potential of the property has yet to be realised. There's a large paddock being grazed by cows, while an orchard on a broad, flat strip just below the house features vineyards and a huge variety of fruit trees, including citrus, peaches, pears and feijoas.

Even the house, set in an immaculate and beautifully landscaped garden, offers huge possibilities. With sweeping views to Auckland city, which is only 30 minutes away, it was originally designed as a small home with just one bedroom plus an office, but it has the relaxed feel of a holiday home.

When Keith and Miranda's daughter came along, the office had to go, so now there are two bedrooms, but it's easy to see how more living space and bedrooms could be added to turn it into a more substantial home.

Clad in extremely durable Onduline, which gives the rippled effect of corrugated iron, the house has the appealing rustic, country quality so appropriate in this setting. Its simple design, with a gently curved, wave-like roofline, marries perfectly with the farm building behind, comprising a three-vehicle carport, loft and storage facility.

The decking, which runs the full length of the north-facing side of the home, offers sheltered outdoor living. A deck also opens to the other side from the lounge, so the owners can escape from the prevailing winds during summer. Outdoor entertaining is enjoyed at a big outdoor table perched on a concrete floor studded with a swirling pattern of stones. Tall, trimmed laurels partially enclose the outdoor living area, which looks across to a children's play area. Steps lead up to a raised deck area behind the garage, where a spa pool is surrounded by neatly trimmed hedging.

The interior of the house has a compact design, yet a lofty curved baby corrugated iron ceiling makes it feel spacious and light. Windows and french doors framed in burgundy aluminium joinery across the northern face make the most of the natural light. Glass bricks are used to good effect in the entry and the bathroom to bring in light without compromising privacy.

The house flows into a generous, open-plan lounge and dining area where a recycled bungalow-style timber fireplace brings character and warmth. Behind a woven island bench, the kitchen is part of the space without being intrusive. Laundry whiteware is accommodated behind bifold doors opposite.

The bedrooms have a stunning northerly view and substantial wardrobes. The master has more cupboards high up on a wall and the smaller bedroom has access to a loft area above the bathroom.

The bathroom has a clean, white-tiled finish and includes a pedestal basin. Ventilation is assured through cedar louvres, which can remain open all day long.

This classy little home and garden - with an emphasis on entertaining - offers sophisticated living on a big country property.

Vital Statistics

ADDRESS: 392 Hillview Rd, Bombay.

FEATURES: Lifestyle property offering income opportunities; features vineyard rootstock, small orchard and paddock for grazing; well-designed home includes generous indoor and outdoor living; two bedrooms; spa pool; two water tanks; septic tank; close to Bombay School, Pukekohe High and Strathallan College; chattels include ride-on mower, tractor and tractor spray unit.

SIZE: Land area 5.7843ha; floor area 90sq m.

AUCTION: 2.30pm, October 11, on site.

AGENT: Brett Stonyer, Harcourts, Papakura. Ph 298 6024 bus; 027 237 9275 mob.