Karaka: Room to roam

Horse lovers will be seduced by this well-appointed Karaka property designed with equine pursuits in mind. By CEDRIC GRAY.

Tell Greg Fitzimons that the animals on his 4.1275ha property at Karaka - pet lambs (for the Te Hihi School pet parade), cattle and horses - live in five-star comfort and he will probably reply: "And the house is pretty good, too."

He is referring to the lovely villa, which once graced the corner of Ranfurly Rd and Gillies Ave in central Auckland. Relocated and faithfully refurbished on the 34 Ryan Rd site, it is certainly something special. Now surrounded by lawns, mature trees and flowering shrubs, Greg neatly sums it up: "It looks as though it has been there for 80 years. When it comes to landscaping I would say the previous owner was a true professional."

Karaka, once rich cow country, is better known these days as a thoroughbred and eventing horse nursery. Near neighbours at Te Hihi include Eric Watson's giant Westbury stud and a number of smaller units, most with a horse or two. The free-draining Karaka loam, the predominant soil type, is ideal for horse grazing.

That is why Greg and his wife, Judy, bought the property six years ago - which largely inspired its development into a five-star horse homestay. It has a superb stables complex with two 4m by 6m boxes, a lockable tack and feed room and a spacious grooming area. Nearby is an Olympic-size dressage area, sand-based for all-weather training.

The land has a flat to gently rolling contour. Divided into six paddocks (with post and batten fences and electrified outriggers), it is in excellent pasture. Mature shelter belts and dozens of specimen trees offer peace and privacy, and there is quality water from a deep well bore.

The weatherboard villa, of about 209sq m, has four generous bedrooms, the master bedroom enjoying splendid views of the property. It has two double wardrobes and an en suite, which features a clawfoot bath, shower, vanity and toilet.

An impressive entry foyer with polished timber flooring leads to a formal lounge - a room for all seasons with an open fireplace, built-in bookcases and a window seat from which to enjoy the views of the property.

The kitchen features modern appliances - gas hobs and a DeLonghi oven - and two double pantries. There is a breakfast bar for casual dining and an open-plan area for family dining. French doors open to a covered veranda for outdoor entertaining.

There is a double carport with covered access to the house.

The house sits at the end of a driveway lined by mature London plane trees, with spacious parking edged with flowering cherries and neatly trimmed hedges. The orchard and vegetable garden (with three timber compost bins) is sheltered by mature camellia shrubs. There are well-built stock yards and a loading ramp.

The property is being auctioned by Barfoot & Thompson, Papakura, on October 2. For details contact Mike Butler, ph 298 8029 or 0274 946 064 mob.