Ararimu Road: Idyllic scene

CEDRIC GRAY checks out one of the largest farms south of the city.

At 158ha it is one of the biggest farms within an easy drive of downtown Auckland, yet Graham McCullough has a twinkle in his eye when he says he could farm the property from the comfort of his lounge if he could train his dogs to open and shut the gates.

He is, of course, referring to the ease of stock management on his land at 1013 Ararimu Rd, south of Auckland, and the fact that he can almost see every corner of the 60 paddocks from several vantage points.

It is altogether an idyllic scene. The land flows gently to the north, the pasture is lush and virtually weed-free, and the volcanic soil ensures excellent winter drainage. The nearby Hunua ranges - an Auckland water catchment - attracts reliable summer rainfall.

A prominent hereford stud for more than 20 years, the land last year carried 300 dairy heifers and about 200 steer calves.

A former north King Country farmer - Graham and his wife Heather had a big holding at Aria - he was attracted to Ararimu, because of the size of the farm, its close proximity to the city and its potential for subdivision. The property is virtually surrounded by small lifestyle units. "It will eventually be cut up [into smaller units]. The city is heading this way," says Graham.

Meanwhile, it could be described as a model dry stock unit. There is a central race for ease of stock movement, a newly installed deep water bore (100m) providing ample water for the four houses, garden irrigation and stock troughs and quality outbuildings. The latter include four hay barns, concrete stock yards and a three-stand woolshed. A spring-fed stream provides a series of attractive waterfalls and swimming holes.

The stylish main homestead occupies an elevated site with glorious views of the property. Built about 21 years ago, it features a striking open-plan kitchen and family area, a separate lounge (with open fireplace), an office and library and a recently refurbished guest unit. Extensive use has been made of timber milled on the property.

Wide outdoor decking provides a superb outdoor entertaining facility. There are four bedrooms.

Two attractive settler-style homes of two and three bedrooms have just been completed and they share the elevated platform with a near-new, three-bedroom, brick home. The entire area has been beautifully landscaped and planted with an orchard, olive trees and an extensive range of exotic and native trees.

The property is for sale by tender, with tenders closing November 25. For more information, contact Rex Gazzard or Kathryn Passier at Bayleys, Papakura. Ph Rex 021 745 267 or Kathryn 021 800 079.