Waitakere: Calling all bush-lovers

Picnics in your own piece of paradise are an everyday possibility at this delightful rural family property. By CEDRIC GRAY.

When the late Reece Price announced plans to develop 300ha of native bush in the Waitakere Ranges into an exclusive residential subdivision, even his closest friends were left in two minds. Would the project ever get off the ground?

A decade later and the subdivision known as Forest Ridge is flourishing. Situated high on the northern extremes of the ranges, close to the tiny Waitakere township and rail station, the ridge has been divided into 27 units ranging from 4ha to 5.9ha. Only two, priced at $225,000 and $229,000, are still for sale.

Reece certainly broke new ground. The road access (Stony Creek Dr) from Bethells Rd is sealed, curbed, channelled and lined with young kauri trees. The drive is also monitored by security cameras. Quality homes have been built on prepared sites, giving visitors the impression that the beauty of the native bush has been preserved.

For bush-lovers, Forest Ridge is akin to paradise. There are giant kauri, lofty rimu and nikau palms, cascading waterfalls and rocky streams. Each lot has glorious bush walks. Those with views towards Bethells Beach and the west coast enjoy brilliant sunsets.

A stylish, two-storey home, presented as a show home during the early days of Forest Ridge, is for sale through Norwest Real Estate, Kumeu. It is beautifully situated with elevated views to the north, the 4ha property enjoying full sunshine and complete privacy.

For the owners, Ron and Jennifer Daw, the property has other special features. "We love the sunsets, the bird life, the bush walks and the peaceful clearing alongside our own little waterfall," says Jennifer. "We have picnic tables down there - it is a lovely spot."

The spacious brick-and-tile home with five bedrooms is a delight. Tinted landscape windows protect the large formal lounge and main living area, there is an impressive tiled entrance foyer, a neat easy-to-work kitchen with extensive rimu and cedar joinery and modern appliances, and ample room for family dining or more formal entertaining.

A Masport woodburner provides winter warmth, the flue extending to the upstairs master bedroom, which features an en suite, walk-in wardrobe and a small outdoor balcony. There is an office, a well-appointed central bathroom, a laundry with a chute and ample storage on both floors.

Lighting highlights the nearby bush and well-maintained lawns at night, and two large water tanks provide quality bore water from the roof catchment.

The property is for sale at an asking price of $695,000. Contact Ron Fowler on 412 8876 or 810 8090 for details.