King Country: Rubbing shoulders with nature

This splendid property offers a place to unwind and an ideal outdoor playground. By CEDRIC GRAY.

This is a property for those in love with the outdoors - "a real fun-seeker's place," says owner Annett Freekly. "Those who want to escape the stress of city life will unwind and recharge their batteries in a few hours."

Annett is talking about her 16ha property at 66 Pongahuru Rd, about 3km north west of Taumarunui. "It's right in the heart of King Country," she says. "We have a year-round outdoor playground at our doorstep."

She is referring to the Mt Ruapehu ski fields, the tramping tracks through Tongariro National Park, kayaking on the Wanganui River, hunting, trout fishing and horse trekking.

"We have some of the best trout fishing in the North Island in the Whakapapa River, and that's just down the road at Owhanga," she adds. "And Lake Taupo is only a 45-minute drive away. It's a wonderful region for those who want to rub shoulders with nature."

Although just outside the Taumarunui borough boundary, the property can easily be described as a country retreat. It has lovely valley views - snow-capped Mt Ruapehu looms large in the distance - and mature trees ensure peace and seclusion. There is a long driveway to the five-bedroom house through a small pine plantation planted about six years ago.

This is strong dry stock country, well-drained and in even pasture. Most of the property is flat to gently rolling and a regular fertiliser programme has been carried out.

The property winters more than 60 deer, a few head of young cattle and a few sheep in several paddocks with quality deer fencing. A small free-flowing stream adds to the picturesque setting.

The outbuildings include stock yards, a loading ramp, a two-bay implement shed and a lock-up garage/workshop. There is also a double carport.

Built mainly of tawa and rewarewa (milled in the region), the house has spacious family areas and a formal lounge, with the formal dining space served by a well-appointed central kitchen. The douglas fir beams are a striking feature of the family areas, adding to the natural look of the interior. Winter warmth is provided by a woodburner supplemented by electric panel heating in the hallway and bedrooms. There is an office, central bathroom and separate toilet, and the master bedroom enjoys an en suite and walk-in wardrobe.

A swimming pool is set in the mature gardens where a second building houses the laundry, a rumpus room, toilet and shower. There is also a spa pool and sauna.

The property is being marketed by Wrightson, Kumeu, at an asking price of $350,000. Contact Dennis McAulay on 412 5689 for details.