Country living suits Paul Bates and Amanda Scott-Bates. Nine years ago they moved from a larger property to this seven-hectare lifestyle block near Patumahoe.
The equestrian facilities - stables and arena - appealed to retired racehorse trainer Paul and Amanda, who had a dressage horse. But what hooked them wasthe setting with its peaceful waterway and bridge.
"Basically when we drove down the long driveway and came across the bridge, we said 'yes'. And the way it was set up for horses attracted us, plus the tranquillity of the gardens, the waterways, and being handy to Puke and Patumahoe.
Their home is built in the style of an English country manor. It sits on an elevated site facing north among century-old English oaks, cherry and other deciduous trees and natives, overlooking the waterway formed by natural springs.
"We have been here nine years," says Paul.
Their home is timber on three sides and block on the south side. Roofing is long-run iron. Paul says it is a well-insulated, well-designed house.
"We have a double-sided fireplace between the lounge and TV room; you have the fire going on both sides. It makes it nice at night; you are thinking you are doing quite well for yourself.
"And the overhang verandas keep it shaded and cool in summer."
Flooring is concrete but the couple have added wooden flooring as well as painting the home and garage, inside and out, and the roof. One lounge has a handsome beamed ceiling.
The front door opens to a double-height entry. Straight ahead is what Paul and Amanda call the TV lounge. Next is the formal lounge, dining and galley-style kitchen. Also on this level are two bedrooms. The larger has walk-in wardrobe and en suite; the second has a bathroom across the corridor.
Lounges and the bedrooms open through bi-fold doors to the patio for al fresco meals and barbecues.
"Everywhere in the house you look out to the garden, the waterway, the mature trees," says Paul.
Image 1 of 6: This Patumahoe lifestyle block is designed to impress.
Upstairs are the master bedroom with en suite and one other bedroom. An office/lounge area, at the top of the landing, sits between the bedrooms.
The property also has a two-car garage, with bathroom, and implement shed. There are three big paddocks and a bridle trail.
"You can ride, walk, run or go for a mountain-bike ride," he says. "We find it a peaceful property to live on. We enjoy the afternoons, we take our pets for a walk around the property."
He uses a kayak to weed the waterway. "Children would absolutely thrive on this property as a playground. I have never measured it but it is probably well over a kilometre and a half of waterway. It is quite an area to kayak in."
He thinks the Patumahoe area has great services. "Even though you are in a rural area you have the village infrastructure - your local pub, village cafe and bar, another cafe, the ITM building supply, the Four Square, Plunket, rugby club, tennis club, bowling club. And then you are only five minutes from Pukekohe for the big shops.
"You have two day cares, two schools in Patumahoe. You are in the country but you can phone up and get Friday night fish and chips. And you are 10 minutes from the Drury off-ramp."
The couple are selling to move closer to family. "My mother is moving into a retirement village, she is in her late 70s and we thought, as a family, we want to be closer," says Paul.
He thinks the property will appeal to a retired farmer or a young family.
"It would be a great environment for kids to grow up, or for an equestrian person. Just a magical place to live.
"Even though the property is set up as equestrian it could easily switch over to another form of livestock or some form of passive income - you could plant avocado trees. The whole place is post and rail, so it is easy for livestock. And the gardens are irrigated from the spring so there is plenty of room for gardens."
