For Snow and Sarah Hardy, living at Hurstmere Estate has been as much about the land as the spectacular home that adorns the lush 8.8ha just out of Matakana.
The couple bought the property two years ago. For Snow, it was a chance to make improvements to the land, repairing the black rail fences to make the property stock-proof, ensuring the pasture was well-drained and the grass in good condition, and enjoying the fruits of the property's vineyard -- syrah and chardonnay.
For Sarah it was an opportunity to have horses.
"I'm loving getting back into riding after a 20-year break. I own one horse and a friend rides the other. It's a fabulous property to ride on. There are many riding facilities close by and of course riding on the Omaha estuary is amazing."
They have sheep and cattle on the rolling and flat land, and the horses.
"It's easy maintenance for anyone who want to put cattle, sheep or horses on it," says Sarah. "We have an arrangement with someone who has their sheep on it."
As well as the 340sq m country home with three bedrooms there is a one-bedroom self-contained studio plus "Hurstmere Cottage", which has two bedrooms, a bunk loft and double carport.
The property also has a barn, stables, ponds, mature trees and thriving birdlife.
The home, built in the 1940s, was moved to Matakana in 1994 from Takapuna, named Hurstmere Estate after the road where it originated.
"It's a beautiful home built by the local timber merchant in Takapuna," says Sarah. "It was moved and developed by previous owners. We can't take credit for the hard work previously done.
"We like the heritage of the home, the setting is magical. We look out to a stunning landscape of our vineyard, rolling countryside, ponds and trees."
Image 1 of 7: The heritage of the home and the magical setting wooed the owners.
That heritage is evident throughout the home with incredible craftsmanship evident in the wood wall panels, beamed ceilings and the detailing of the original windows
The main house has separate entrances and bathrooms for each downstairs bedroom. There are several living areas and the large country kitchen, a one-bedroom self-contained studio and internal access to the double garage. Covered verandas look over the vineyard and gardens. A flagpole stands tall on the front law.
Matakana is their nearest village and, at 1.9km, is only two minutes' drive away. "It is a fantastic area, close to the city but also close to fantastic beaches, wineries and landscape," says Sarah.
"It is 100 metres to the very popular Omaha walking track."
The couple think their property is stunning.
"As you come up the long driveway it has that wow factor, it's beautiful.
"The way it is set up and landscaped, and Snow has brought up the rest of the property to the same standard. And it's so close to Matakana.
