Country: A true thoroughbred

As one of the country's most reputable horse-breeding establishments, Northfields Stud is a picturesque showpiece property, writes VICKI HOLDER.

Image is everything in the glamorous thoroughbred racing world. Buyers will invest huge money commanded by the best horses if they come from a facility worthy of its reputation.

Northfields Stud, a few minutes' drive from Whitford village, is renowned for its quality bloodstock. As one of the finest breeding establishments in New Zealand, its horses consistently sell for top-dollar prices of up to $650,000 each.

Occupying one of the most valuable developmental land holdings left on the coastline, the stud is an immaculate and picturesque showpiece.

The rolling pastures surrounding the homestead are lush, fertile, well-drained and groomed, with not a weed in sight. The stabling for 11 horses is so modern and comfortable it has hosted numerous lavish functions. With two modern farmhouses for staff, vet facilities, stock and sheep yards, a lunging ring, sheds for hay and a central race for safety and ease of access, it never fails to impress the many who visit the farm - be it to buy or just be entertained by their hosts.

Its owners - businessman, breeder and former president of the Auckland Racing Club, Donald McLaren and his wife Rochelle - are social people. Don says they have had many heads of states to dinner, and everybody loves it here.

The facility had a head start on the other farms in Whitford, explains Don, because it was originally a dairy farm for over 100 years. "That built up the fertility and the soil is vastly superior to anything else in the district," he says. Only the second owners in the farm's history, the McLarens have developed the land as a breeding unit for showcattle and horses.

The couple lived in one of the cottages until they built the family home to make the most of the sun and views of the estuary looking down towards Cockle Bay. Shaped like the handle of an old-fashioned telephone, the property features a tent-like roof canopy that stretches between two tall towers. Designed by a South African architect, the property proved difficult and time-consuming to build. Completed by architect Malcolm Day, the building has wings that arch from the roof to the ground, which channel rain water to a tank.

"The wonderful thing about it is that it's big, but you don't need skates to get from one end to the other," says Rochelle. "And it's always warm and cosy. There's the lounge and entertaining areas at one end, the kitchen and living in the centre and the bedrooms at the other."

Built 20 years ago, it was radical for its time, yet it hasn't dated. Over the years, the McLarens have renovated progressively to maintain the highest standard of finish using the best designers they could find. But they've kept the best of the original, including the interesting profile on the doors, which was the work of designer Victor Pritchett. The dining room still showcases his work, where glossy, hand-painted walls and functional cabinetry lend richness to the intimate space.

Next door, the lounge, with big sliding doors that open to the terrace, has been updated with classic neutral carpet and colours by Jill Goatcher. The same palette extends to the study and billiard room next door, which rises to storage areas on the second floor.

In the lounge, a gas fire in a Hinuera stone surround enhances the cosiness provided by the under-floor heating throughout the house. A free-standing log fire in the family room next to the kitchen entices guests as they gather to watch the plasma television.

Sue Gilbanks has updated the kitchen with crisp modern cabinetry, a granite benchtop and a Miele oven and a Gaggenau hob in a servery area.

Five bedrooms have become four plus a big walk-in dressing room in the master bedroom, and two bathrooms have been treated to sumptuous makeovers by Jad Design, with elegant floor-to-ceiling porcelain tiles plus marble and terrazzo finishes on the vanities.

The garden surrounding the property has been landscaped. Among the mature trees, the hardy coastal plants save a lot of work.

Blending elegant style with functional quality, Northfields Stud - in its peaceful, fairy-tale setting - is just 10 minutes from Manukau City and 20 minutes from the CBD.

Vital statistics:

ADDRESS: Northfields Stud, 130 Whitford Rd, Whitford.

FEATURES: Bloodstock stud; four-bedroom home; two bathrooms; separate dining; lounge; study/billiard room; double garaging; carport; sauna; storage rooms; under-floor heating; two cottages; stable block; veterinary and breeding station, yards and arena; zoning allows for extensive subdivision.

SIZE: Land area 35.28ha.

TENDER: Closes at 4pm on August 1.

AGENT: Kath Lavis and Julie Parmenter, Barfoot & Thompson, Whitford. Ph 530 8292 bus; Kath 021 764 761 mob; Julie 021 982 210 mob.