Waimauku: Rural beauty

A peaceful retreat in an idyllic Waimauku setting.

Judith Vosslamber strolls through the gardens at her lovely 1.12125ha property in Taha Rd, Waimauku, a few minutes' drive north of Kumeu. Ten years ago the property was in pasture. Today, most of it is in lawns and gardens, which surround a faithfully restored kauri villa that once graced the Auckland suburb of Herne Bay.

Judith should know all about the the productivity of a district that now supports a thriving horticultural industry - cut flowers and salad vegetables on smaller lots, and pumpkin, celery, onions and tree nurseries where there is more land. Her parents once farmed on the frost-free plateau and, she says: "The land will grow anything and everything."

It is a property of beauty and privacy, the stylish villa and wisteria-covered verandas suggesting that it was developed 50 years ago or more. Yet in less than a decade Judith and her husband, Eric, have restored the home and planted so many evergreen and deciduous trees that they quickly established a firm friendship with the owners of the nearby tree nursery.

They also established a productive orchard - olives, apricots and citrus - and screened the property with shelter trees. About 1000sq m of plastic housing was built as a potential source of revenue from the horticultural industry. A productive vegetable garden, in neatly raised units, was established, along with a sheltered poultry run.

There is also a well-constructed garage-workshop with room for four or five vehicles, and excellent grazing for a pony or two.

The villa covers about 300sq m. It has five bedrooms off a wide hallway, the large master bedroom including an en suite and separate toilet.

A spacious rimu farmhouse kitchen, with modern appliances, serves the family dining and lounge areas in which exposed kauri flooring is a feature. A woodburner stove provides ample winter heating.

The main living areas open to the verandas and a spacious outdoor deck, ideal for family dining in the garden setting. A permanent barbecue is an added attraction for catering on a large scale.

There is a cosy second lounge or children's room, a superbly appointed central bathroom and a laundry with easy access to the outdoors.

An attached, self-contained unit - which was also moved from Herne Bay - is an additional feature. The unit has two bedrooms, a comfortable lounge and a neat kitchen.

The Vosslambers' property is for sale by tender with Norwest Real Estate, Kumeu, where Ron Gussey, ph 412 8876 or 025 989 679, has details.