Coastal: Blended to perfection

By CEDRIC GRAY

A boutique vineyard and winery near Glenbrook Beach, south Auckland, has broken new ground in a district better known for its commercial gardens, kiwi fruit orchards and pastoral farming.

Edgewater Estate, a 4.18ha property on the Glenbrook peninsula, flows gently to a tidal estuary on the upper reaches of the Manukau Harbour. The south-western boundary laps the estuary.

In the past 10 years, about 2ha have been planted with pinot noir, merlot, cabernet sauvignon and cabernet franc varieties. A further 2ha fronting the estuary could also be planted.

The property is owned by Peter Stiffe and Catherine Young who, last season, produced 240 cases of wine. They estimate that the estate could produce up to 1000 cases. The well-constructed winery, which is designed to cater for greater production, is ideally situated near the roadside and could easily house a restaurant.There is town-supply water to the house and winery, while a metered irrigation system from a nearby company (of which the property holds a share) supplies the vineyard.

The Tuscany-style home, of about 265 sq m, was built four years ago. It blends to near perfection with the vineyard setting, and several rooms and a covered veranda have splendid views of the vineyard.

The three-bedroom house flows easily between a central family living area, a family lounge and the accommodation wing, where there is an office that could easily be converted into a fourth bedroom.

Sarked ceilings and wide landscape windows are in the main living areas. There is a central bathroom, and the master bedroom has an en suite and a walk-in wardrobe.

Edgewater Estate is for sale as a going concern through Barfoot & Thompson, Waiuku, at an asking price if $680,000. Contact Phil McElhinney on 09 235 0880 for more details.