Country: Lodge life

Stunning rural surroundings and endless outdoor activities make this home on a deer farm a bit special, writes CEDRIC GRAY.

Sheerwater Farm is a name to be noted for the future. A 318ha deer farm carrying more than 2000 red deer, it has just been awarded the Sir Peter and Lady Elworthy Trophy - the New Zealand deer industry's top environmental award.

The farm is at South Kaipara head, which is 28km west of Helensville. An impressive mix of flat and hill grazing, native bush, spring-fed streams and an extensive tree-planting programme, it is the fulfilment of a dream for Auckland owners Brian and Brigitte Richards.

Their love of the environment - and their determination to enhance it - knows no bounds. In the past few years 37,000 native and exotic trees have been planted at Sheerwater by a small staff employed for landscaping projects.

The farm supports eight houses, one of which - a 10-year-old country-style lodge - is for sale.

The lodge, and the 33.8646ha of bush and rolling pasture, is tailor-made for those with a love of the outdoors. It has expansive views of the Kaipara Harbour, and Lake Ototoa (noted for its fresh water and excellent rainbow trout fishing) is only a few minutes away. Nearby Woodhill Forest, with its fallow deer population, can be a rewarding hunting ground.

Add to these outdoor attractions harbour fishing, duck shooting and the nearby South Head Golf Club, and Brian says: "It has everything for the outdoor person, yet it is one of the region's best-kept secrets."

The property is divided into six well-sheltered paddocks in good pasture and with ample spring and stream water. All the paddocks are fenced and about 20ha of the property feature mature and re-growth manuka. The native birdlife is prolific.

The lodge was built on a slightly elevated site to capture the best of the views. The well-established lawns and gardens are sheltered, and the mature orchard includes peach, plum, avocado and citrus trees. Native and exotic trees contribute to the relaxed, rural setting.

The house has three bedrooms, two of which are on the first level where the master bedroom enjoys an en suite, a walk-in wardrobe and a balcony.

The attractive living and dining areas on the ground floor open to a wide, wrap-around veranda, which is ideal for outdoor entertaining.

The well-appointed kitchen has a coal range stove with a wetback, a Smeg oven, a stainless-steel bench and breakfast bar and plenty of storage.

The property is being marketed by Harcourts, Helensville. Contact Michael Grove on 09 420 7663 for details.