Clevedon: Eye catcher

This rambling South Auckland property promises a host of impressive features to complement its rural location. By CEDRIC GRAY.

A lovely South Auckland dry stock property of 54ha is attracting interest, because it is in the heart of a district noted for the quality of its smaller lifestyle units, its equestrian facilities and the ever-increasing property values. Land diversification is another feature, with viticulture showing promise of rich returns.

The property is 8km from the Clevedon township, and has been in the same ownership for 12 years. In that time, a stylish four-five-bedroom cedar villa has been built, about 10,000 pine trees and eucalyptus planted, the home site has been generously landscaped and a regular fertiliser programme maintained. The grazing land on gentle rolling to medium hill country is at present leased to a neighbouring farmer.

While the villa, built eight years ago, immediately catches the eye, the property boasts several other impressive features. It is north-facing, well-drained and sheltered. A no-exit road ensures privacy. The glorious rural views are enhanced by a lake in the foreground and the well-established native and exotic trees surrounding the house.

A stream meanders through the property, complementing a patch of native bush and two ponds, which attract a variety of bird life.

Historians could well find the well-preserved, 100-year-old woolshed fascinating. And another outbuilding, in a charming setting well away from the home, is a substantial barn with a concrete floor, three-phase power and separate telephone. Linked to the barn is a cosy, self-contained, two-bedroom unit, ideal for guest accommodation.

The colonial-style villa was built to capture maximum natural light and to make the most of the views. It stands at the end of a sealed driveway of, perhaps, 400m, leading to a large parking area and a double garage.

The villa, of about 480sq m, has been described as "the well-nigh perfect family home", with wide hallways, a 3m stud, double bedrooms, a stylish kitchen, separate formal lounge and formal dining, and a family living area with french-door access to an outdoor area.

The kitchen - with its maple joinery and hidden nail matai flooring (extending to the family area) - features granite and stainless-steel benchtops, large-sized gas hobs and an electric oven. An attractive woodburner is connected to a wetback.

The family area and family lounge both feature a large stone fireplace, and the lounge also has a cosy library nook.

The luxurious master bedroom has a double en suite, the family bathroom is beautifully appointed and the large laundry has a "mud room" shower and toilet.

An attic, at present used as an office, could easily be converted into a fifth bedroom.

The property is being marketed by Priscilla Wilson-McGregor, LJ Hooker, Papakura, ph 292 7300, and James Twigg, Barfoot & Thompson, Papakura, ph 298 8029, at an asking price of $2.65 million.