Country: Quality before quantity

Kitted out for breeding and training horses, this property is designed for creating champions, as CEDRIC GRAY reports.

As a youngster, Cedric Steward always yearned for a career "in the wide open spaces". He was not to be disappointed. Rising to the rank of admiral during a distinguished 37-year naval career, he went on to become Chief of Naval Staff before his retirement in 1986.

He continued his love of the outdoors by establishing Antric Park, a beautiful warmblood horse stud on a 15.13ha property at Waitoki, north of Auckland, 16 years ago.

With Trick or Treat as the resident sire, Antric Park has gained international recognition as the breeding and training ground of champion horses.

Quality before quantity has been the Steward trademark. "I was told by a MAF soil-tester that the soil on this property was up there with the best in the Waikato, and that was good enough for me," he says.

The land is flat, the pasture is lush throughout the year and the property is bordered to the north by the free-flowing Kaukapakapa Stream. Divided into more than 20 paddocks - several fenced off for stallion and colt enclosures - the quality is enhanced by the ease of stock management, not only for the horses, but also for a boutique Hereford cattle stud.

The comprehensive range of facilities includes an 800m training track and a floodlit, all-weather dressage arena. There is also a compact, three-horse stable complex, complete with a tack room, a feed room, a wash-down area and outdoor yards. The outbuildings include a half-round, four-bay barn.

Cedric and his wife, Antoinette, occupy a delightful four-bedroom country home, and they freely admit that the informal lounge-conservatory is the family favourite. It is a stunning addition to the property - full of fresh air and light and enjoying bifold door access to an outdoor swimming pool.

A modern kitchen and a cosy family dining area share views towards the river, and there is easy access to a family lounge, formal lounge and a cosy, relaxed living area. A Jetmaster fire and a woodburner provide winter warmth.

The master bedroom has a semi-en suite and a private dressing room. There is a second bathroom, laundry and workroom.

Several rooms open to an outdoor entertaining area, which is sheltered by a variety of mature, exotic trees.

The Stewards intend to retire to the Hibiscus Coast for health reasons. Antric Park is being marketed by The Professionals, Albany, at an asking price of $1.39 million. The property is being offered in two titles of 7ha and 8.13ha. Contact Nigel Smith on 415 6777 for further details.