Chapelwick Estate, one of NZ's oldest stately homes for sale

The Chapelwick Estate at Porangahau. Photo / Supplied

One of New Zealand's oldest stately homes is up for sale in Central Hawke's Bay, kicking off a search for new custodians.

The 164-year-old Chapelwick coastal estate has been placed for sale by Property Brokers Hawke's Bay.

Originally, the homestead of Porangahau Station, it was established by the Hunter family in 1854 but for the past four years it's been owned by Deborah Beldham, along with her sister and brother-in-law, Sandra and Pat McCleary.

Ms Beldham said personal reasons meant the family, originally from the Kapiti Coast, were now unable to continue their commitment to a piece of New Zealand's history.

"It's time for someone else to take custodianship of the house. We've never thought of ourselves as 'owning' it as such, we just felt we were looking after it. It's part of New Zealand's history.

'We've been doing our bit to preserve New Zealand's history and now there is an opportunity for someone else to do that same.

"It's been absolutely amazing, it's been a privilege and a pleasure. It's a wonderful home to live in and we've met some amazing people, just some of the nicest people and a lot of New Zealand people as well as overseas people. It's been a real experience."

Set on 18 acres, the estate includes sweeping lawns and gardens, an orchard, swimming pool, tennis court, petanque, croquet lawn, stables, a range of friendly farm animals and its own historic chapel.

The estate, which has a rateable value of $843,000, was largely rebuilt in 1926, after it was damaged in a fire. Further additions were made in the 1980s.

The homestead itself boasts eight bedrooms, five bathrooms, six toilets, a billiard/bar room, a conservatory, library, formal dining room and a big lounge - plus a utility room that was once servants quarters.

The estate also contains an original 1871 chapel, which is still used for weddings today.

Property Brokers commercial sales consultant Sebastian Nilsson said the house also featured several impressive public rooms, such as a wood-panelled library with a brick fireplace and a huge drawing room with fireplace with a rimu surround and a window seat with sea views.

"The wood-panelled billiard room can easily cater for a full-sized billiard table and the conservatory has French doors opening onto a terrace overlooking the croquet lawn. The grand entry hall is complete with chandeliers and staircase."

The property will be sold by tender on May 1.