Refreshingly Rural on City Fringe

In sunny concealment down a drive below Cambridge Road on Tauranga's outskirts sits nearly seven acres (2.6978 ha) of perfect grazing with a long low north facing home facing its paddocks.

Property: This is a property that would suit farmers downsizing but loath to forsake their rural roots, or a family wanting to give their children a taste of country life, maybe have ponies, without sacrificing the convenience of city amenities and good schooling.

Surrounded by orchard and encompassing the sort of land developers eye up hungrily, there is also potential for subdividing of the property. This small farm remains just that - five nicely proportioned paddocks in a nicely defined oblong. Poplar and feijoa line the rear boundary, chestnut trees flourish along fence lines. The trees provide shelter for stock in this exceptionally sunny near flat basin. These horse lovers have enjoyed having their animals just over the fence and used the two loose boxes on the other side of the implement shed. They have also started growing hydroponic vegetables in the new purpose built greenhouse beside the shed. There are yards near the house too, by the paddock where a few cattle graze.

The long low brick home was built here 20 years ago by the current owners. A family member correctly described it as an 'honest house'. Solid brick and tile with large easy generous spaces and no less than six sets of doors opening to the paved patio that runs along its north side. The spacious cream kitchen faces the drive on the south side, perfect for seeing who is arriving at the roundabout outside the double garage. The kitchen is open to the family and dining room with its pitched timber ceiling and solid wood fire. Bi fold doors link a huge lounge with a comfy window seat.

The master suite is at the east end beside the lounge. It also has French doors to the patio with the en suite and walk- in wardrobe on the opposite side. At the other end of the home the three French doors are those of two big double family bedrooms (each with a walk- in wardrobe), and the massive rumpus room at the west end - its side windows looking into the chestnut trees in the garden. The family bathroom has a rimu bench. Timber touches and some strategically placed internal brick - in the main entrance and the fireplace - offset easy living neutral d?cor.

The grounds are mainly trees, with lawn merging with paddocks, and garden enhancing the entrance. There is scope for more gardening, but charm in the simplicity and the relationship with the land. It is pretty special to find among the development and the orchards along Tauranga's Cambridge Road, such a well maintained block of grazing in perfect condition for the next owners to enjoy.

Location: Few regions in New Zealand or the world for that matter have as much to offer as the Bay of Plenty. From the gentle harbour waters to its surf beaches, its fishing and diving grounds to the scenic bush, the Bay is as much a quiet recreational playground as it is a thriving business and rural community. Key economic elements for the region include Tourism, Horticulture (predominately Kiwifruit and Avocado production), Viticulture, Pastoral farming, Forestry, Housing and Holiday Makers. The rapid growth in the area provides a vibrant living environment from job opportunities to business prospects with a sustainable future. Tauranga as a city is one of the fastest, if not fastest growing cities in New Zealand. With a mixture of beautiful scenery, great beaches, cafes, restaurants and nightspots it is more than a city it is a lifestyle. The award winning schools also provide a key reason why Tauranga is proving to be such an attractive destination for both ex Kiwi's and migrants as a place to set up their new life in New Zealand.

In Brief:

2.6978 hectares of perfect grazing

Solid brick and tile three bedroom plus rumpus home

Potential for subdividing of the property

Purpose built greenhouse

Among the developments and orchards along Cambridge Road