Omaha: Size, location and potential

The beach, nearby golf courses and peace and quiet are all part of the package at this highly appealing Omaha property, writes CEDRIC GRAY.

A Delightful 4.5ha property within a few minutes' drive of Omaha Beach is attracting interest, because its size, location and potential offers the best of both worlds.

Within an hour's drive of downtown Auckland, it is in the heart of a region with an impressive mix of quality waterfront homes, vineyards, orchards and commercial horticultural units.

Home building activity on new subdivisions at Omaha has continued at a high level for a number of years. Yet the rolling countryside east of Warkworth and through the township of Matakana and beyond to the coastal resorts of Point Wells and Omaha still retains its charm.

It was this charm - and the scope for development - that attracted Auckland publisher John Sandford and his wife, Johan, to buy the property at 141 Omaha Flats Rd about five years ago. As a weekend retreat and possible retirement home, it had everything they wanted - peace and quiet, the nearby beach, two 18-hole golf courses (at Omaha and Warkworth) and the chance to expand an already well-established citrus orchard. There are about 200 mature meyer and lisbon lemon trees on the property.

"But times have changed," says John. "Our son has a passion for ski racing and we want to follow his fortunes." No strangers to the snowy slopes of Mt Ruapehu, the Sandfords intend to buy a property in the centre of the North Island.

Known as Omaha River, the property is divided into four well-grassed paddocks, all sheltered by mature shelter belts. The land is flat and fertile, making it ideal for further horticultural development. Viticulture and equestrian activities are other options. There is small boat access to Omaha River where kayaking and canoeing are popular. Launching ramps for larger boats are at Point Wells and Omaha.

The spacious five-bedroom house, beautifully sited at the end of a long driveway, enjoys tranquil views of the river and beyond to elevated farmland and native bush. Transported to the site many years ago from Orakei, the home has been expanded to its present 238sq m, and has been extensively renovated. More than 80sq m of decking has been added to make the most of the outdoor living and entertaining space.

The large, country-style kitchen, dining and family rooms flow easily to the decks, the outdoor entertaining aspect being further enhanced by spacious lawns and a variety of specimen trees. There is a comfortable separate lounge, a generous bathroom (with spa bath and shower), two separate toilets, a laundry and extensive storage. The garaging is attached to the house.

A large implement shed and a three-bay lean-to will be welcomed by the home handy person. There is a 22,000lt water tank and ample quality bore water for household use.

Omaha River will be auctioned by Bayleys, Warkworth, on July 2. Contact Linda Goodfellow on 09 425 7640 for details.