The original 81-89 Waimauku Station Rd manor house dates back to 1909. Photo / Supplied
An historic manor house serving as a function and event centre and dating back to the early 20th century is for sale on a large land area in Waimauku about 31km north-west of Auckland City.
"This is the first time Settlers Country Manor has been on the market in 44 years," says Sharene Temple of Sothebys New Zealand who, with colleague Greg Dennerly, is marketing the land, buildings and chattels at 81-89 Waimauku Station Rd for sale by a price that is available upon application.
"The freehold land of more than 1.3 hectares and buildings on it support a hospitality business with a personal residence and landscaping that is simply breath-taking," Temple says.
"Built on fairly flat land, the centre is surrounded by picturesque gardens within a native bush setting and includes meandering man-made streams and waterfalls."
The five freehold titles encompassed within the Waimauku Station Rd property are No 81 of 9229sq m; No 89 of 1454sq; and Nos 83, 85 and 87 which are each of 1012sq m. The total land area of all five titles is 13,719sq m.
Constructed in 1909, Settlers Country Manor is licensed for up to 200 guests at a wedding or event and has a total building area of 1652.6q m including verandas of 228.3sq m, and decks and patios of 100sq m. Facilities include the main function room of 607.4sq m, restaurant of 132.4sq m and an incomplete conference room of 65.1sqm.
Other rooms include a main mezzanine floor of 59.1sqm, a second mezzanine floor of 33.1sq m, commercial kitchen, office, bathrooms, laundry, storage and walk in chiller.
The owner or manager's two-bedroom residence of 106.5sq m sits atop the main venue and comprises two bedrooms with a veranda. "There is plenty of outside parking and theowner/manager has designated parking areas," Temple says.
"Also on the property is an old cottage which is ripe for restoration, along with storage and out-sheds, and a pumping station for the stream and waterfall. The property is so expansiveand private that it could host more than one event or wedding at the same time.
"Of interest to corporate clients, vehicles can be driven inside the function venue under cover."
The manor house features huge indoor and outdoor fireplaces which are a major attraction in winter. The slightly sloping land at the back looks over farmland while the front faces thegardens.
"One indoor fireplace is so big with own roasting spit that guests can sit and watch the 'hunt of the day' being cooked while drinking fine wine."
Temple says the "paradisiac" setting would suit a spa retreat or health resort; or it could be attractive to a church group. "It could also continue to operate as a hospitality and tourismrelated business hosting events, wedding, corporate functions and featuring a top-classrestaurant offering fine dining.
"We are also targeting offshore expats looking to rebuild a home in an idyllic setting. If purchased by an extended family, the old cottage could be renovated to provide two living areas."
Temple says no goodwill is being asked because Settlers Country Manor is not being sold as a going concern business but as a straight land and buildings with chattels sale.
"This property is located in one of the region's fastest growing areas near the new State Highway 16 motorway extension and close to numerous vineyards - but it is only 25 minutes' drive from the Auckland CBD," she says.