We are privileged to offer on behalf of the retiring owners, Awatea, a superb lifestyle property and one of Hawke's Bay and New Zealand's landmark vineyards. Grapes from this vineyard have produced some outstanding wines, made by the long term lessee, Te Mata Estate Winery.

Awatea has a unique location at the very heart of the Te Mata Special Character Zone; a restricted area created by the Hastings District Council to recognize and give protection to the outstanding character and landscape of the area. Immediate neighbours include Te Mata Estate Winery, Bradshaw Estate and Montana Terraces.

Awatea vineyard sits just 3km from popular Havelock North, but has a remarkably private, quiet location found only through rural Albany Lane. Here the vineyard, which is positioned on the upper edge of an escarpment between two levels of the Heretaunga Plains, together with its residence, has quite spectacular elevated vistas north, west and east over much of Hawke's Bay. In the immediate foreground are wide uninterrupted views over vineyards, orchards and the Heretaunga plains. To the north and east one looks as far as the city of Napier and the Pacific Ocean and to the west to the distant Kaweka mountains.

The owner's residence, designed by well known Hawke's Bay architect Paris Magdalinos, was constructed in 1979. This is a strikingly beautiful, modern, contemporary home in a design described by the architect as "American modernist-minimalist". The home which was constructed to the highest standards, has evolved over 28 years as the owners retained Paris Magdalinos, on an ongoing basis through to the present time, for some inspired renovations and additions including the main bedroom ensuite, kitchen, main entrance and swimming pool area. As a concequence in 2005 this home won a national NZIA design award.

The home is built on two sides around an extensive courtyard, sited and designed to capture the wonderful surrounding vistas as well as light and sun through its many full length picture windows. A high garden wall, formed largely of glass, completes the courtyard which features extensive covered, paved living and entertaining areas and an in ground, salt chlorinated swimming pool, offset by lawns and mature Queen Palms.

Inside and out, this strikingly lovely home reflects the ongoing commitment to modern design standards by its owners and their chosen architect. Other than the tiled bathrooms and Sall'ee pure wool carpeted bedrooms and living room, floors throughout are in an attractive and functional genuine slate. Under floor heating runs throughout. There are three double bedrooms. The master bedroom, which has its own modern ensuite bathroom (presently nominated for a further NZIA award), is sited to enjoy morning and afternoon sun, together with wonderful panoramic vistas. The third bedroom is part of a self contained living area having its own bathroom, kitchen and living room looking over the courtyard and swimming pool. There are three bathrooms in total. The home has a strikingly modern open plan kitchen and informal breakfast area, opening onto a separate courtyard which enjoys the morning sun, while a formal dining room looks towards the pool. There is a comfortable main living room, with open wood fire, which enjoys magnificent views over the Heretaunga Plains through to the ocean. There is also a well designed and functional laundry and double integral garage with loft and generous storage.

The sharp design of the lonicera hedge lined paved driveway leading from the vineyard down into the forecourt and entrance to the house is in itself an exceptional feature while cherry, quince and a variety of citrus all add their seasonal colours.

The upper terrace vineyard soils are described (NZ Landcare Research and Hawke's Bay Regional Council) as Class 10: Ngatarawa sandy loam on gravel. The ideal combination of the warm Hawke's Bay climate, together with these free draining soils, has long proven to be ideal for fully ripening premium Bordeaux wine grapes and the production of elite quality wine. In particular, this is a well proven site for premium quality Cabernet Sauvignon.

While present plantings (of 5530 vines approx) are limited to the upper terrace, the property also extends over an extensive north facing escarpment which is currently grazed by livestock. These warm north facing slopes contain the gravel and stone red metal soils common to some of the Hawke's Bay District's best vineyards. In earlier years these slopes were planted with vines as part of the original Chambers Estate vineyards and it is suggested that they have potential again for terraced or sloping row vine establishment, should in the future a new owner be interested in extending the vineyard potential for premium wine grape production.

The vineyard is currently planted to Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay vines on phylloxera resistant root stock. These plantings were established between 1989 and 1996 and are maintained by the lessee, Te Mata Estate Wines.

Being less than 5 hectares (4.9588) in area, this property may be purchased without restriction by overseas residents and citizens.

Awatea is offered for sale on a GST inclusive basis and expressions of interest are invited in this unique and exceptional property.