Murawai: Horse-lover’s haven

Heaps of potential surrounds this horse-lover's paradise within reach of Muriwai Beach. By CEDRIC GRAY.

An enterprising couple with an interest in the tourism industry could well be attracted to this secluded 2.8ha West Auckland property a few kilometres north of Kumeu, and within easy reach of Muriwai Beach.

The property, in Awa Rd, operates as a retirement home, and is licensed for six guests. It could just as easily be described as a country retreat, because it is surrounded by dry stock farms, a small pine forest, a vineyard and orchards.

Five paddocks provide average grazing on gently rolling hills, most of which have been planted in pine trees in the past decade - 200 trees eight years ago and a further 500 last year. A dam provides water for stock and there is ample shelter.

Built about 18 years ago and extended to become Kumeu Lodge, the house occupies an elevated site at the end of a long driveway. The five bedrooms in the accommodation wing each have toilets, while the guests share a large lounge, separate dining room, kitchen and sunroom. There is also a large laundry and a central shower room.

Co-owner Belinda Price says the property could easily be converted into a backpackers' lodge or a residential horse-riding school, or it could operate as a farmstay. There are popular horse-trekking trails in the district.

"We have a few horses here now," she says. "It is ideal horse country and it would appeal to the backpacker brigade who want a taste of country living."

Belinda occupies a sunny, comfortable unit attached to the guest wing. The lounge and well-appointed kitchen share lovely rural views and there are two bedrooms, a study and a central bathroom.

The lodge is surrounded by mature lawns and gardens. Features include a garden gazebo and large outdoor entertaining areas. There is wheelchair access from the accommodation wing.

There are three large water tanks, a cobblestone parking area for several cars and two-car garaging.

The property, which carries a September 2001 CV of $580,000, will be auctioned on April 9 by Bayleys, West Harbour. Contact Shona Jurlina on 416 7788 for details.