Country: In a class of its own

CEDRIC GRAY visits an equestrian training centre that the professionals rate as one of the best.

An equestrian training centre that has won acclaim from Australian Olympic dressage coach Clemens Dierks is for sale. Its owner intends to move to a smaller property with her select band of mares.

The centre, in James Mackie Rd, Woodhill, was established four years ago by British horsewoman Tina Reed. Dierks and several other leading instructors have used the 60m by 20m dressage arena, one of several outstanding facilities on the 9.82ha property, which is 35 minutes north of Auckland.

It is named Blagdon, after a cottage owned by Tina's grandmother in the village of Hanging Langford in Wiltshire, south-west England.

Blagdon is a horse-lover's gem. It has 19 fertile, well-drained paddocks, most of which are post-and-rail fenced with electric inner fencing and automatically fed water troughs.

The property is sheltered by mature trees, and the shelter belts extend to subdivide each paddock. A wide passageway around the entire boundary that dissects the property is ideal for access and exercising the horses.

Apart from the all-weather dressage arena, there is a lungeing arena and newly built stables with a five-star look. The complex includes a hose-down bay with hot and cold water, tack room, feed room, bathroom, kitchen and a loft, which could easily be converted into living accommodation.

There is also a substantial 12m by 6m shed with three-phase power, which is used by a furniture maker.

Part of the original James Mackie family estate, the land was once a macadamia orchard. It has since been used for growing persimmons, and Tina says that she had 2200 persimmon trees removed before Blagdon became horse country.

The delightful three-bedroom kauri villa, which was built in the early 1900s, has been similarly transformed. Each bedroom has an en suite, and the master bedroom features a Victorian-style fireplace with a living flame gas fire and a walk-in wardrobe. Each has access through french doors to the outdoors - a lovely wisteria-covered pergola on one side and a wide veranda on the other.

The main living areas have been refurbished with tender loving care, and the farmhouse kitchen features granite benchtops, macrocarpa cupboards and polished rimu floors.

There is a superbly appointed casual dining area and a large lounge with a gas fire encased in a cast iron surround.

The property is being sold by tender by Barfoot & Thompson, Kumeu. Tenders close on June 28. Contact Jeanette Kneebone on 412 5640 for further details.