Golden opportunity for a lifestyle change

Offers Over $405,000

From the moment you enter this unique, 7,082 square metre property, in its idyllic setting, it is easy to imagine living here. The outlook is spectacular, as it sweeps over glorious native beech trees and bush and forest-clad ranges, to the clear turquoise waters of the Wakamarina river.

The air is alive with the song of tuis and the sound of cascading river water. Lovely little tracks meander down through established bush, to the river, glow worm caves and numerous old exploratory gold diggings, where gold can still be panned. A walk along the river bank leads to a gravel beach, safe swimming spots and a stunning waterfall. The area is popular with families, tourists, anglers, kayakers and hunters. The property boundary is on the Queen's chain, which ensures the views cannot be built out.

Surrounded by tree-studded lawns, a fully fenced orchard and vegetable garden and three deer-fenced paddocks, the property comprises a two level, three double bedroom home, a self-contained cottage and a one-room cabin, all with timber decks. A 4-seater spa pool, in a free-standing, 25 square metre deck, is lit up at night with a kaleidoscope of changing colours. A separate, elevated, 22 square metre timber deck, in an outdoor area with built-in seating and a wood burner, doubles as an entertainment area and stage for music festivals. There is a double garage and workshop, two woodsheds and a garden shed.

Built in the mid-1990s, as a hunting lodge, the solidly constructed, 123 square metre home combines stained weatherboard exterior walls with bronze aluminium joinery and a terracotta-toned corrugated iron roof. A large, 22 square metre balcony, enclosed by timber railing balustrades, extends around two walls of the living area to enjoy breathtaking river views.

The house has been extensively renovated and upgraded, including installation of a new kitchen and appliances. A very efficient, new Wagener Fairburn wood burner and cooker, with a wet back facility, warms the house throughout, as well as heating the water. There is a new flue and brick wall at the rear and the surrounding floor area has been lined with ceramic tiles. Recently installed solar roof panels heat the water at low cost and there is a new, 270 litre dual hot water cylinder. There are double-glazed glass sliding doors, in the kitchen and downstairs bedrooms. The dining room, downstairs bedrooms, bathroom and separate toilet have been repainted. The house is wired for Sky TV.

The property is just 10 kilometres from the Trout Hotel in Canvastown and 19.5 kilometres, or 20 minutes comfortable drive from Havelock, a popular tourist spot and gateway to the Marlborough Sounds. The area is famous for its green mussels and the annual Mussel Festival is a major event. There is a supermarket, a bakery, a variety of cafes, restaurants and bars, a petrol station, marine supply and boat charter companies and water taxis. There is a local primary school and the school bus stops at the property gate.