Wallingford Homestead in Central Hawke's Bay has been put up for sale, offering buyers the chance to purchase the property and hospitality business as a combined offering. Photo / Colliers
Wallingford Homestead in Central Hawke's Bay has been put up for sale, offering buyers the chance to purchase the property and hospitality business as a combined offering. Photo / Colliers
A Central Hawke’s Bay homestead that once held the title of New Zealand’s largest has been placed on the market for both local and international buyers.
Built over 170 years ago, the sale of Wallingford Homestead offers buyers a chance to acquire a grand estate that blends “modern comfort withtimeless character”, according to listing agent Colliers.
Located at 2914 Pōrangahau Rd, Wallingford, the property is now used as a retreat with “refined accommodation and fine dining in a serene country setting”.
It can also be used for conferences, weddings and other corporate events, the listing says.
The homestead sits on a 75.39ha landholding that is about 25km southeast of Waipukurau and just over an hour from Napier.
The building was originally constructed in 1853 to support a pioneering sheep and beef farming operation.
After a devastating fire in 1895, the original house was rebuilt and extended multiple times over the years as it remained the centrepiece of the working station and a social hub for the district.
In 2017, the Ormond family sold the property, with the new owners modernising the facility with a focus on hospitality.
Now placed on the market again, the opportunity includes the property and hospitality business, which has featured in the Cuisine Good Food Guide, as a combined offering.
Wallingford Homestead was once home to a farming family, now it is a popular retreat. Photo / Colliers
Colliers Directors Hadley Brown and Danny Blair have been appointed to market the property for sale via an international expression of interest campaign that will close at 2pm on February 26 next year.
Blair said the property allowed prospective purchasers to buy a Central Hawke’s Bay landmark with an established and popular accommodation and hospitality business in place.
“Having the chance to acquire an asset like this is incredibly scarce, and the property provides a steady rental stream while the potential exists to generate more commercial revenue.
“We encourage all interested parties to reach out to us to explore their options, so they don’t miss out on this rare offering.”
The current improvements at the freehold property include the historic homestead.
In its current form, the homestead spans 884sq m, with nine well appointed rooms, including multiple luxury suites with private ensuites.
The homestead has a range of luxury rooms. Photo / Colliers
Brown said the property retained its rich character heritage, and the homestead was set among stunning gardens.
“The property has been thoughtfully restored in recent years and carefully maintained to ensure it provides a welcoming environment for guests.”
Auxiliary buildings at the estate include a 240sq m secondary residence, woolshed, haybarn, implement shed and supporting storage sheds. There is also a pool for guests with a pavilion.
Within the grounds is a truffière, consisting of 1800 French evergreen oak trees that have been inoculated with perigord black truffles.
The trees are about 16 years old and form a well-established plantation, with three defined truffle blocks and a combined canopy area of approximately 3.95ha.
Brown said the truffles are used exclusively for Wallingford’s restaurant, but there is scope to expand their supply to other markets as production increases, opening up another potential revenue stream for the homestead.
