Jennifer Ives bought Trefoil Park - comprising 82ha of meadow, streams, a swing bridge, swimming holes, covenanted bush, communal sleeping lodge, kitchen, other buildings and an ablutions block - three months ago.
The only Northland camp owned by GirlGuiding NZ, it became redundant in recent years and, in a nationwide trend for the organisation, was put up for sale.
Surprisingly, interest in an "unbelievably" low priced property was well below boiling point, Ray White sales agent Deb Wilson said during the marketing and auction process earlier this year.
In fact, no bid was made on the property with the GV of $315,000, but a registered value closer to $500,000.
"I couldn't believe it when I found it," Ms Ives said. "For the same price as I sold my house in Rawene, I've got a lifestyle block."
The trained teacher wants to one day reinstate it as an outdoors accommodation and learning centre.
In the meantime, Ms Ives and her three small daughters - Milly, 6, Gracie, 4, and Lexi, 2, - are themselves learning about what the property has to offer.
Making one building liveable, renovating some facilities, fencing, upgrading the long driveway and opening up overgrown trails are among the work she has so far done or hopes to get done soon.
A tractor came with the purchase but had no key. Not only did Ms Ives learn to drive a tractor on her first day there, she also learned how to hotwire it, which is how she still starts it every day.
There is much more to learn, especially for a woman born in an English town, who moved to New Zealand six years ago but has taught in Asia and elsewhere in the world.
It isn't only wanting her family to experience the rural lifestyle that spurs her; Ms Ives would like to see Trefoil Park returned to its potential and help pay its way.
Once used by Northland Regional Council, Northland education providers and even the Police for training courses, as well as Girl Guides and other groups, Ms Ives hopes for its hire to continue.
It could also become a rural venue families hired for holidays, weddings or other functions.
She has plenty of ideas: horse rides through bush trails, a petting farm, a "summer or holiday school" with a "self-learning curriculum" where children learn about ecology, orienteering, gardening , water quality or wildlife, and then go outdoors to put the lesson into action.
"It can work, I'm sure, but, if it doesn't then this is still our home. It's what I want for my kids.''
