Brookby: Down on Ron Chitty, owner the farm

By VICKI HOLDER

"It's the only block of land close to Auckland city that suits a substantial farm park."

Just a handful of mares given to Geoff and Peg Chitty when they were a young couple was the beginning of a hugely successful thoroughbred breeding stud at Haunui Farm in Whitford in 1955. Over five decades, the Chitty name has become synonymous with successful stallions and the stud has clocked up a list of winning thoroughbreds longer than your arm.

Three generations later, the family is taking the stud business and moving on from the 155ha farm they have developed and nurtured at Brookby, between Whitford and Clevedon. They leave behind them, literally, a small village with the main homestead, numerous smaller houses, stable blocks, barns, offices and various stable facilities.

When Geoff and Peg bought it, it was a just sheep farm on a small block of land. Together, with their son Ron and his wife, Carolyn, who now live in the main house on the land, they gradually purchased adjacent properties and amalgamated them into a much larger farm.

Over the years, they've turned it into one of the most picturesque farms to be found anywhere in New Zealand. Shelter belts of mainly cyprus and poplar protect the fertile, green pasture and enhance the beauty of the landscape, while miles of immaculate post-and-rail fencing borders the paddocks. The Chittys put in a roading system to save weaving among the rolling hills, up over the ridges with views in every direction and through large tracts of beautiful mature native bush.

Ron and Carolyn are also responsible for the wonderful homestead created with large outdoor living areas around a pool and a separate one-bedroom apartment with its own entry. Set in a beautiful 10 acre garden that is one of the most famous in Auckland, it has been included in many garden tours. While Ron has been involved with the farm, the garden is Carolyn's passion. She has filled it with an extensive collection of camellias and rhododendrons, along with roses, perennials, hibiscus, maples and a wide variety of cycads, palms and succulents for year-round interest. Its park-like beauty greets those who travel up the long driveway beyond the breeding stud offices.

Now in his 60s, Ron Chitty admits the decision to move on was made with some apprehension. He's not in a hurry, he says, and will not let go of the property easily.

But he admits, to carry on as a thoroughbred stud in this area no longer seemed sensible. "Mark, my son, wants to continue his role and he has to go more centrally into an area more suited to raising bloodstock. He is a trained vet and wants to keep that going as well.

"And with all the development happening in this area, it seemed the right thing to do. We've no experience in development."

For the first time in 50 years, there's an opportunity for someone to establish a new venture on the farm that takes advantage of the unusual size and character of the property. The fact that the property is well-known for its quality bloodstock and has consistently gained the top prices at the National Yearling sales bodes well for somebody keen on utilising the facilities.

However, Ron is of the opinion that Haunui Farm would make an ideal farm park, where the land is divided among about 10 owners who can live the rural lifestyle with shared facilities that are professionally maintained.

"It's the only block of land close to Auckland city that actually suits a substantial farm park. There's a huge necessity and demand for one from Aucklanders. A farm park is the ultimate end use," he says.

Nearby facilities, such as pony clubs, the Ti Papa Equestrian Centre, top schools, Botany Town Centre, golf courses, Pine Harbour Marina and several local beaches, make it an enticing place for lifestylers just 25 minutes from the city.

Vital Statistics

ADDRESS: 399 Whitford Park Rd, Brookby.

FEATURES: Picturesque farm close to Auckland city; family homestead of 236sq m plus self-contained one-bedroom flat with carport; summer house beside swimming pool; four more homes plus single living quarters for staff; office and admin centre; two stallion boxes; 42 yearling boxes; nine foaling boxes; six covered mare and foal yards; nine foaling paddocks; four implement and storage sheds; two hay barns; three deep well water bores; quality fencing and roading; stock yards.

SIZE: 155ha.

AUCTION: July 29, at Bayleys Maritime Square auction rooms.

AGENTS: Don Mackey, Chris Bayley and Brian Clark, Bayleys Country. Ph Don 021 720 420 mob; Chris 021 899 863 mob; Brian 027 498 8149 mob.