A lifestyle oasis nestled in the Te Mata Peak foothills, 140 Kopanga Road, Havelock North, is the perfect private and elegant retreat.
Reminiscent of English country living, the five-bedroom, two-bathroom home sits on 1.6545 ha of private, scenic, countryside just minutes from Havelock North village.
A silver birch and olive grove-lined driveway opens to the architect-designed home and its impressive double-story entrance.
Brought to market by Ray White Hawke’s Bay agent Connie Cawood, the home is for purchase via deadline sale, closing May 17.
“The property provides incredibly private country living in the sought-after location of Havelock North Village,” Ms. Cawood said.
“It includes an elegant, architecturally designed, quality home, accompanied by panoramic views and spacious grounds.”
The vendors, Iain McGibbon, and his wife built the home 20 years ago after moving from Wellington to enjoy retirement and the Hawke’s Bay weather.
Now 83, Mr. McGibbon said it was time to downsize.
“We bought a section, which was basically just a paddock, with a dream of building a “dream” home,” he said.
“We built a traditional English style home, we wanted it to stand out. When we built it you could see it for miles. It became a sort of landmark house, but inside it’s a very comfortable house to live in.”
“It’s a home to live in comfort and enjoy, and that’s what we’ve done.”
Lovingly maintaining the beautiful lawn and gardens himself, Mr. McGibbon said it was time to let someone enjoy the home and grounds.
“We loved it, and we still love it,” he said.
“We don’t want to go, but we got to the stage in life where we need to downsize.
“It’s very peaceful and quiet, on an average day all you can hear is the sound of birds, but it’s only five minutes to the village.
“It’s got magnificent views – we have Te Mata Peak to the eastern side, and to the west, you can see out to Mount Ruapehu.”
Mr McGibbon said he and his wife would move to a smaller property and hope to remain in the same area.
Ms. Cawood said the property would suit buyers seeking “upmarket country living”.
“This is a kids’ haven or retirees’ sanctuary,” she said.
“It’s suitable for empty nesters and retirees with visitors or family to make use of the generous guest wing, or families wishing to raise children in a semi-rural setting, with plenty of outdoor space to grow and be kids, as well as spacious grounds for all the hobbies they desire.”
There are several schools within a moment’s drive of the property including private girls’ schools, Woodford House and Iona College, and private boys’ school Hereworth School, as well as a highly-regarded public secondary school, Havelock North High School.
Rarely coming to the market, Ms. Cawood said quality lifestyle properties in the area were in good demand.
“Homes of this quality and stature with country living in Havelock North Village rarely come to market, therefore, when they do, the buyer interest is always high,” she said.
“We are seeing a lot of interest from the Auckland market and those wishing to settle outside of major cities, now that we have the advantages of working from home, seeking the peace and tranquillity of Havelock North and the warmer climate and conveniences of wider Hawke’s Bay.”