Oratia

Its rolling landscape, sunny hills and close proximity to the city make it a region to consider. By LUCY RICHMOND.

People like Oratia for the upmarket rural living that's close to the buzz of the city.

With its origins in horticulture, the area is steeped in history and many of the properties remain in the hands of the same families for years.

The region's rolling landscape - which has less bush areas than nearby Titirangi - and its sunny, elevated position provide the perfect location for a dream home on a lifestyle block.

With the buzzing Titirangi Village close by, the area attracts its fair share of artists, potters and craftspeople. It's also home to a selection of specialist nurseries and orchards.

The area used to be overlooked by real estate agents because it was regarded as being too isolated, but these days it is avidly sought after by both first-time home buyers and those moving back into the area. Families who had moved out to be closer to secondary schools and colleges are returning, and young families are attracted by the excellent reputation of the long-established local primary school.

Buyers also come from throughout Auckland, the North Shore and overseas, while West Auckland buyers talk of wanting to swap "the lowlands" for the sunny hills.

Facilities include:

- Oratia Primary School (long established and highly reputable)

- RSA

- Oratia Folk Museum

- Sports grounds

- Bowling club

- Community centre

- Close to West Coast beaches

- Bush walks and tramping trails


Housing

Over the years lifestyle blocks have been carved off the larger orchards, which has resulted in a variety of house styles throughout the area.

Cluster housing doesn't exist in Oratia, with 1ha to 2ha properties fetching upwards of $300,000 being the norm. However, prices range from $200,000 for a two- to three-bedroom property on a quarter acre up to $1 million for an impressive lifestyle property. Sales around the $900,000 mark are not uncommon, but most lifestyle properties now sell from around $300,000.