Down by the riverside

Elevated river views and profuse native plantings create an idyllic setting near Tuakau. By CEDRIC GRAY.

No one has suggested to Graham and Diane Dickinson that they trim a few trees on their 2.39ha property near Tuakau to allow uninterrupted views of the Waikato River. Were they to do so, the probable answer from the Dickinsons would be to plant more.

The trees are all mature natives, and they screen the elevated site from chilling south-westerly winds. They also attract a variety of native bird life to a property with spacious lawns, gardens and ponds.

It is what the purist might describe as an "idyllic setting," where Graham and Diane have planted a wide range of trees and shrubs without allowing nature to dominate.

And the river is still there - flowing lazily far below the house site towards the Tasman Sea. There are spectacular views from other corners of the property - one in particular would provide a splendid building site.

The property is in Te Awa Kite Rd, and is part of a rural lifestyle subdivision of 12 properties varying in size from about 7500 sq m to 10.2ha. Pukekohe, the nearest commercial centre, is 16km to the north, and State Highway One, near the township of Pokeno, is a 10-minute drive away through an interesting horticultural region.

The quality 290 sq m four-bedroom house was built four years ago. It is distinguished by the use of polished kauri timber in the kitchen, main living areas and the stairway.

The internal design provides for front door entry to a large foyer, off which there is a formal lounge and formal dining room. The attractive kitchen, with kauri work area and servery, nestles neatly in the open-plan family area, which has french-door access to a tiled patio that supports wisteria, climbing roses and grape vines. A central feature for outdoor entertaining is a whale pot fountain and ornamental pond.

There is a guest room, complete with en suite, on the ground level, a large laundry, and a fully lined double garage with internal access. Heating is provided by a wood burner and an underfloor system.

There are three upstairs bedrooms - the master bedroom has an en suite with spa bath - and a small office.

A large workshop, with living accommodation, could be adapted to a variety of uses. In excellent condition, it has concrete flooring, three roller doors, and an ample water supply from roof catchment to a 27,000 litre tank.

One well-fenced paddock is suited to sheep and light horse grazing. There are good cattle yards and a loading race.

Mike Butler, of Barfoot & Thompson, Papakura, says the asking price is in the $550,000-plus range. For details, phone Mike on 298 8029.