Ramarama: Equestrian wonderland

By CEDRIC GRAY.

Joanne Doolan had only one request when the decision was made three years ago to move from suburban Auckland to a serene 4ha property in Ramarama. A lover of horse eventing, she insisted that the land had a house on a hill.

One could negotiate the hill at her new address, 603 Runciman Rd, South Auckland, without blowing out a candle, yet Joanne hardly complained about the slight elevation. All she really wanted was a home from which she could see every centimetre of the property, every blade of grass.

"When I wake up of a morning and see all the horses on four legs, I can happily start the day," she says.

Since the property has been in the Doolan ownership, it has been the home of equestrian champions and near-champions - understandable because the land is well-drained and fertile, every paddock is post-and-rail fenced and there are five-star facilities for exercise and education.

Indeed, the property, a short distance from the southern motorway, has been described as an "equestrian wonderland".

It is divided into seven paddocks, for the most part in lovely clean pasture. A riding trail, which extends around the paddocks, is used for exercising the horses, and for cooling down after a turn on the all-weather 100m by 40m equestrian arena.

The arena is conveniently sited near a substantial board-and-batten stable block, built just over two years ago. It has four covered boxes, a tack room, feed room and a sleep-out complete with en suite. Bore water supplements water from roof catchment for stock and household use, and a bio-cycle septic tank system has recently been installed.

A tree-lined driveway leads to the spacious (300sq m) brick-and-tile home built four years ago. A focal point of the expansive lawns and gardens in front of the home is a large ornamental pond, beautified by a colourful array of lilies and other aquatic plants, many of which are native species. A fountain adds a special touch.

The house has four bedrooms (two with en suites) and a study. The main living area, facing north to capture the rural views, includes a striking kitchen, family room, separate dining room and a formal lounge. There is underfloor heating in several rooms, supplemented by gas heating in the family areas and lounge. The three-car garaging has internal access.

A complete home entertainment system is included in the sale.

The property will be auctioned on May 5 by Bayleys, Papakura. Contact Don Macky or Hayden Stanaway on 298 2525 for details.