Hawkes Bay: Simply charming

This gem of a rural homestead in Hawkes Bay boasts style and grace at every turn.

Even though it was in a bad state of disrepair, Silverford - one of Hawkes Bay's most gracious homesteads - was love at first sight for William Orme.

Set in large grounds in the Dartmoor wine area at Puketapu, 20 minutes from Napier and Hastings, it seemed like a Howard's End. It didn't matter that Virginia creeper was growing all over the floors of the house!

Its interior has changed dramatically since William first laid eyes on the home, but the sentiment hasn't. What makes it so special, he says, is the continued enjoyment he and his wife, Chris, gain when visitors from New Zealand and all over the world compliment them on its welcoming, serene ambience.

Now run as a homestay, Silverford was built in 1906 for the original owners of Dartmoor Station, the Lowry-North family, to a design by Charles Natusch, a well-known English architect.

The large grounds were planted with trees, which now frame the glorious rural views. Surrounding the homestead are sweeping lawns, ponds and lavish gardens, which are a blaze of colour in spring, summer and autumn.

The home's renaissance began in the 1980s, six months before William and Chris bought it. They continued the improvements their predecessor had started, to the extent that it is now a jewel in a rural oasis. Since 1994, Chris has added her own touches, especially in the garden.

The surrounding land is fenced to accommodate the friendly deer, sheep, a goat and a donkey, which complement the picturesque setting and keep visitors amused. Guests are also drawn to the area around the large swimming pool, which is a focus for social activities.

Built in a U-shape, the house looks inward to a sheltered courtyard, where vineyards provide shade in summer and let the sun pour in during the winter. A central fountain cools the air, making this the perfect setting for alfresco entertaining. Guests look out through large arched doors to the courtyard and distant views of the front lawn, the trees and the garden from an air-conditioned sitting room.

The sitting and drawing rooms, with grand timber fireplaces, open from an entry hall with panelled wainscoting, matai floors and stained glass windows.

One side of the U-shape forms a guest wing with three bedrooms, one with an en suite. Rooms open from a rimu-panelled hallway that looks out to the courtyard. At the entry to the hallway, a large kitchen incorporates a dining area next to wide, glazed doors spilling out to a veranda. A retractable awning gives shelter so the view of the lawn, pond, rock gardens and trees can be appreciated while sitting outside, even in the heat of summer or in light rain.

The 21 radiators around the house are fuelled by a Bosky wood or coal-fired central heating system in the kitchen, which can also be used for cooking. Should the fire not be refilled in time, it has the added facility of an electrical back-up.

The other side of the U-shape is the family domain comprising three bedrooms, an office and bathrooms. A den with rimu-panelled walls and ceiling has its own external entry. A previous owner was a doctor who used this room for consulting. An internal door from the room led to a waiting room, which now opens to reveal a wine cellar. The waiting room has been transformed into another bedroom.

The spacious master bedroom blends in with the rest of the house. They plumbed the room for a sink so it could become a sitting room with tea-making facilities, if required in the future. A walk-through wardrobe leads to a tiled bathroom with a teak washstand and mirrored cupboard.

Occupied by the housekeeper, a restored two-bedroom, self-contained cottage on the property was built in a similar style to the main house.

Full of charming English character, this beautiful, private property offers huge potential and many options, either for a family or someone wishing to take advantage of Hawkes Bay's burgeoning tourism industry.

Vital Statistics

ADDRESS: Silverford, Dartmoor Rd, Puketapu, Hawkes Bay.

FEATURES: Beautifully restored character homestead on large landscaped grounds; kauri weatherboard cladding; rimu panelling inside; six bedrooms, two with en suites; four bathrooms; den; office; drawing room; sitting room and gallery; large, sheltered courtyard; swimming pool; ponds with island; self-contained two-bedroom cottage; matai floors; extensive irrigation system.

SIZE: Land area 7ha.

PRICE INDICATOR: $1.4 million.

AGENT: Glynn Rees Jones, Bayleys, Napier. Ph 06 8342286 bus; 027 496 3020 mob.