Karaka: Grounds, gardens and room for the horses

One for horse lovers is this fabulously spacious Karaka property with a Japanese connection. By CEDRIC GRAY.

Thanks to a Japanese visitor's eye for natural beauty, a stunning Karaka property carries the name Tengoku Farm.

Tengoku means 'seems like heaven' - the visitor was doubtless captivated by the serene park-like setting of the farm, surrounded on all sides by mature shelter belts.

The 8.1754ha property, at 199 Irwin Rd, richly deserves its heavenly title. It is owned by Dwight and Kaye Coyle, who have established a highly successful horse eventing training and breeding centre on the free-draining pasture.

"The horses love the sun, shelter and peace and quiet," says Kaye. "They absolutely thrive here."

The horses graze the rolling-to-steep countryside, which levels off to sheltered flats. The paddocks are warm, the pasture virtually weed-free and the fences are first class. A central race ensures easy stock movement.

Because of the couple's interest in eventing, Tengoku Farm has become horse country, but the land is equally suited to cattle grazing. The Coyles graze up to 20 head - as much for pasture management as anything else. Quality bore water feeds troughs to all the paddocks.

Three small, weed-free ponds enhance the beauty of the property and - in tandem with the mature trees - attract a variety of bird life. A family favourite are the blue herons, which return each year to nest in a giant pine tree within easy view of the house.

Beautifully landscaped gardens surround the five-bedroom home at the end of a lengthy driveway. The easy-care gardens feature plant varieties to ensure year-round interest and colour. "I think we have one of just about everything," says Kaye with a smile. "Something new seems to pop up every day." The house has a superb kitchen, family living area and lounge opening to a wide outdoor deck overlooking the gardens and a neat saltwater pool. A woodburner with a wetback provides ample heating in winter.

The recently refurbished master bedroom opens to a private balcony. A huge room, it has a walk-in wardrobe and en suite. There is attached double garaging, a well-appointed office and a children's hobby room.

A comfortable self-contained apartment provides guest accommodation. It is situated at the stable complex where there are four covered stables, a tack room and a newly created 60m by 35m all-weather training arena. There is ample parking for heavy vehicles.

The Coyles intend moving to another property "where we can start again on a new challenge". For further details on Tengoku Farm, contact James Twigg, Barfoot & Thompson, Papakura, ph 292 4885 or 021 500 668.