Kumeu: Cottage industry potential

CEDRIC GRAY discovers a Kumeu property with space to run a cottage business.

It has been a hectic few weeks for prominent West Auckland farrier Jim Bryant. Not only has he competed at the World Farriers' Championships in Canada, he has also been preparing to sell his 4.3ha property in Tawa Rd, Kumeu.

Farriers from 17 countries competed at Calgary and Bryant prepared for the four-day event with the zest of a Commonwealth Games athlete.

His Kumeu workshop occupies a corner of a substantial 60m x 30m barn on the property. There is plenty of room for vehicles and hay harvested from the paddocks. With its own road entrance, it would be ideal for a small cottage industry.

The property is about 2km from the Kumeu township. Divided into six paddocks in excellent pasture, it grazes a few head of yearling cattle. Pasture growth in early summer allows one of the larger paddocks to be closed for hay.

Gently sloping and boasting views to the north towards the wooded hills of Waimauku, the property is protected on two sides by mature shelter belts. There is also a small pond near the northern boundary.

The older-style, three-bedroom home enjoys the best of the views. it has two lounge areas and a family dining room warmed by a woodburner.

The master bedroom has an en suite. The central, farmhouse kitchen has modern appliances and ample storage.

An attractive two-bedroom cottage is on the higher ground. It has a sun-filled, open-plan kitchen-lounge and its own water tank. The cottage generates a weekly rental of $210.

The property is being marketed by LJ Hooker, Kumeu. It will be auctioned on August 24. Contact Ron Gussey on 412 8876 for further details.