Pukekohe East: Cream of the crop

On the market for the first time in 30 years, two spectacular lots in Pukekohe East offer top-dollar living in a fabulous location. By CEDRIC GRAY.

Two South Auckland properties in the same ownership for more than 30 years have been described as the cream of Pukekohe East, because of their location, ease of management and beauty. Both are going up for auction.

One lot has a superb four-bedroom house and lavishly landscaped gardens with views to the north to every corner of 19.07ha of excellent grazing land.

The adjacent property of about 10ha is also well fenced and in excellent pasture. It has a 52.32sq m hay barn and several attractive building sites. Altogether there are 17 well-sheltered paddocks for grazing cattle.

The properties, on Pukekohe East Rd, are about 4km from the southern motorway (35 minutes off-peak from downtown Auckland) and within easy reach of Pukekohe.

Both have small areas of native bush and mature exotic plantings for stock shelter. Four ponds - three of which are on the house lot - attract a variety of bird life.

The elevated house site is at the end of a 300m driveway. A stand of pururi trees is an enticing introduction to the landscaped lawns and gardens in which volcanic stone, gathered from the property, is a striking feature. There are stone walkways, retaining walls and a barbecue area to complement a feature rock waterfall.

An in-ground heated pool nestles neatly beneath punga ferns and other natives.

Built in 1982 and completely renovated last year, the house (of about 270sq m) has a number of stunning features. It has a well-appointed U-shaped designer kitchen conveniently situated between the spacious formal lounge and family dining rooms. Sliding windows to an outdoor patio are ideal for casual entertaining.

The lounge, with a fireplace, has attractive rimu sarked ceilings and sliding doors opening to the outdoors. Also on the ground floor are two large bedrooms and a family leisure room, complete with toilet and handbasin.

The first level is shared by the master bedroom - with glorious views from a private deck and walk-in wardrobe - bathroom and fourth bedroom-study.

There is two-car internal garaging attached to the house and a well-constructed nearby building where there is a studio, bathroom, workshop and four-car garaging. A small hut with four bunks provides novel overnight accommodation for the children.

There is excellent spring water along with stock handling facilities.

The properties will be auctioned by Barfoot & Thompson, Papakura. Contact Mike Butler and Heather Fewtrell on 298 8029 for details.