Waikato: Horse Country

CEDRIC GRAY saddles up for a trot around the Waikato.

Thoroughbred horse studs throughout the Waikato have hosted scores of visitors during the last couple of months as a prelude to the New Zealand yearling sales at Karaka.

Potential stars of the turf have come under the closest scrutiny - and the land on which so many have been raised has been admired by buyers from around the world.

The region is at its best at this time of year. The greens of the shade trees are giving way to gold, the pasture remains lush after mid-summer rain, and quality homes - part and parcel of the rural Waikato landscape - reflect the prosperity of the region.

There is no better example of this prosperity than in the Matangi-Tauwhare district where well-presented lifestyle properties are in demand. Within 8km of Hamilton, the district is well-served by a variety of community facilities, many of which have a strong equine flavour.

Sheryl Goulin, a well-known equestrian enthusiast and the governing director of the NZ Equine Industry Academy, has neighbouring properties in Tauwhare Rd for sale - a stunning home and glorious gardens on about 1.5ha and an adjoining 12.5ha ideal for horse adjistment and pre-training.

The latter has been developed to a high standard, with the paddocks subdivided by post-and-rail fencing and a central race system for easy stock movement. There is excellent trough water to all paddocks and ample shelter from the mature trees and hedges.

The farm buildings include a substantial stables complex of 10 boxes with access to an exercise track, a barn and implement shed and an office.

The home, of more than 400sq m, was built in the late 1970s and completely renovated two years ago. Tailor-made for indoor-outdoor living, it is surrounded by generous gardens that offer year-round beauty and colour. There are spring bulbs, roses, camellias, rhododendrons and lovely oak, claret ash and olive trees. A kidney-shaped swimming pool, petanque court and barbecue area are ideal for outdoor entertaining.

The open-plan kitchen and living area on the ground floor has french door-access to a covered portico, the appealing kitchen featuring South African hardwood cabinetry, granite benchtops and an island bench. There is a large, formal lounge, a family lounge and a family dining area, the winter warmth provided by under-floor and gas heating.

The upper level includes the master bedroom, with en suite and walk-in wardrobe, three bedrooms, a central bathroom and an office. The properties are being marketed by Don Thompson Real Estate, Hamilton, ph 07 854 5553.