Leigh: Ready and waiting

Big-time potential awaits in Leigh at this large property that's ripe for development. By CEDRIC GRAY.

An upmarket country lodge, a cluster of chalets and a forest park to cater for New Zealand and international clients is the vision of Auckland businessman Ian Boyd for his 24.6ha property at Leigh, north of Auckland. "Someone with a bit of vision could make something of the place, there's no doubt about that," he says.

The basic ingredients for such a commercial venture within an hour's drive of Auckland are there. The property, known as Capricorn Estate, lies beautifully to the north-east. It is within walking distance of the fishing village at Leigh, glass bottom boating and diving at the Goat Island marine reserve is a few minutes away and there are splendid beaches at Pakiri and Mathesons Bay in the district.

The glorious views are a bonus. When Ian bought the property in 1997, one of the first tasks was to establish a building site at the end of a long driveway. It is a monarch-of-all-I-survey-type of site, with uninterrupted views towards Little Barrier, Great Barrier and across the Hauraki Gulf to Coromandel.

He removed all stock from the rolling pasture to allow hundreds of young trees to prosper, establishing his own tree register in the process.

The property is divided into five clearly defined areas. Deep into the estate are 8ha of pines planted in 1993 and 1998, and another 2ha in Tasmanian blackwoods. A neighbouring area is native bush with good examples of kauri, rimu, totara, nikau palms and pongas.

About 2ha of olives and macadamias in an area near Pakiri Rd are thriving. Ian planted six varieties of olives and he says two varieties are "very productive", with the first harvest producing oil of "excellent quality". Feijoas and avocados have also been planted.

Beautification of the estate has been further enhanced by a rich mix of native and exotic varieties, including liquidambar, ginko, pohutukawa and kowhai. Flowering cherry trees line the drive that leads to a small pond, and the banks of the Matheson Bay stream, which runs through the estate, have been beautified.

With the trees maturing, Ian says stock could now graze the rolling pasture. There is ample water from the two storage tanks, the stream and pond.

A near-new fully insulated barn, with two upstairs bedrooms, has provided temporary accommodation for the past couple of years. It has open-plan kitchen and dining areas opening to a peaceful outdoor entertainment area. There is a landscaped garden and attached double garaging with ample storage.

For more information contact Jennie Georgetti, Bayleys, Warkworth, on 021 389 236.