66 Te Toro Road, Pollok, Hamilton. Photo / Supplied
Debra Cowling is not exaggerating when she describes her Pollok home as "the whole package".
It's rural, but also right on the water's edge, with its own beach. It's peaceful and private, but less than 10 minutes' drive to the nearest town.
"It really has got everything," says Debra, who bought the farm with her partner five years ago. "The location is just fabulous - you feel like you're so far away from everything but, in fact, Waiuku is just a few minutes away."
Pollok is on the Awhitu Peninsula, between Waiuku and Awhitu, and while locals like Debra, who grew up in the area, appreciate what a great spot it is, lots of people aren't familiar with its charms.
So it comes as a surprise to some visitors to Debra's home that after they have travelled along the 1km long driveway through bush they emerge to be greeted by a stunning outlook over gently undulating pastures to the Manukau Harbour.
The property looks out over the water across to Glenbrook and Clarks Beach, and it is even possible to see planes coming and going at Auckland International Airport, as well as the Sky Tower and Auckland city in the distance.
"It really is a wonderful outlook," says Debra. "You can see yachts when they're out sailing up and down the harbour, and there is always something to look at - it is always changing. And at night it is lovely looking at the lights."
The house, which has three bedrooms, an office and two bathrooms, is positioned to make the most of the views as well as take advantage of the sun.
The large wrap-around deck, which is partially covered, is the perfect place to sit and enjoy the outlook.
Debra and her partner cleared part of the garden around the house to improve the view, and also repaired the deck.
They have updated the two bathrooms and put in new kitchen cabinets since they have lived there.
"But there wasn't really that much that needed doing," says Debra. "It's a really nice house to live in, and very warm."
The farm is easy to run, she adds. It was a dairy farm, and has a fully equipped cowshed, which they are not using as they are running beef cattle.
They also have 6ha set aside for horses, and every paddock on the farm is off the central race. It has been fenced to a high standard and well-maintained.
As well as the cowshed there is a six-bay shed and plenty of space to add extra outbuildings or expand the house.
There is a new water system, and very good bore water. "Even in a very dry summer, the water supply is good, and it's beautiful," Debra says.
As well as the luxury of their own small sandy beach, they are handy to other beaches in the area and there is a boat ramp just 3km away.
There's a New World supermarket eight minutes away in Waiuku, and Pukekohe, with its constantly growing selection of shops and cafes, is a 20-minute drive.
And it's only 50 minutes to Manukau and Middlemore in off-peak times.
"We love being so rural but if you do need to go into the city it doesn't take long," points out Debra, who says they are moving because of work commitments.
"I think what I'll miss most is the tranquillity. It's such a beautiful spot, and you really do feel like you are in your own little world."