Featured Property

7 grand homesteads that offer the ultimate country lifestyle

Article by Property Press

Not your average lifestyle block, these beautiful country homes across New Zealand are filled with charm in the most idyllic settings

Many of us have a yearning for life in the country although most of us don’t dream beyond a modest lifestyle block. However, there are many examples in New Zealand of grand country homes, built in another era and offering period features, multiple living areas, generous accommodation, and extensive grounds and amenities.

Here are our pick of homes on the market that offer a unique taste of country life.


1. Perfect lifestyle

This beautiful old Clevedon homestead really does have everything you need for a perfect country lifestyle. The beautiful original home has gracious living spaces opening to the deep wrap-around verandah which in turn flows to the pool, summer house and tennis court.

The open plan kitchen and dining also has a fabulous informal living area with fireplace to give real flexibility. Landscaped grounds feature a lily pond, post and rail paddocks and impressive stable facilities.

There is also a separate two-bedroom cottage and other outbuildings. Only minutes from Clevedon village the property runs down to the banks of the pretty Wairoa River.


2. Truly majestic

This majestic home set among mature trees and manicured gardens offers expansive living on a grand scale.

Blairlogie’s panelled entry foyer with impressive wooden staircase sets the tone for the rest of the rambling Masterton house, with the massive main living area, formal dining, library and games room complemented by a modern farmhouse kitchen and informal living.

Original wooden detailing, ceilings, fireplaces, bay windows and lead lights are a feature throughout the house. The extensive grounds include a swimming pool and tennis court, one-bedroom cottage, outbuildings, woodland, pine forest and paddocks.


3. Country charm

The wisteria-draped verandah that wraps around this two-storey Masterton home sets the tone of welcoming charm. The formal living areas are packed with period features and the large open plan kitchen with scullery and French doors that open to the deck and pretty al fresco eating area is perfect for relaxed family living.

All the bedrooms are spacious and well-appointed and make the most of the outlook over the beautiful treed garden. There’s a saltwater pool for hot summer days and the convenience of a four-car garage.

A second title of 4.29 ha with separate access is also for sale.


4. Private haven

A wonderful reminder of times past, this orginal kauri homestead built in the 1850s is situated in a dream location right on the foreshore of Awaawaroa Bay, surrounded by bush and farmland.

The home features generous living spaces which open to the fabulous water views, with board and batten ceilings and polished kauri floors, as well as an open plan kitchen/living area.

Further along the beach from the main house there is a separate cottage. There are walking tracks through the bush and two waterfalls, making this the ultimate private haven.


5. Dazzling deco

The jaw-dropping entrance hall of this 1930s Art Deco Havelock North homestead is a taste of things to come.

Although the home could do with renovation it has some incredible original features that make it very special, such as the wood panelling, intricate plaster ceilings, feature windows and internal doors throughout.

Two self-contained one bedroom cottages and an olive grove could help fund the project of bringing this beauty back to her dazzling days.


6. Elegant living

Nestled in a majestic setting, Glenralloch Homestead in Pigeon Bay does everything on a big scale but still has the intimacy of a family home. The impressive entry foyer leads to elegant formal living areas and a state-of-the-art kitchen with separate scullery.

The home has been sympathetically updated to suit contemporary lifestyles without losing any of its special charm, and all of the rooms make the most of the outlook over the beautiful garden with specimen trees down the valley to the bay beyond.

Manicured lawns surround the homestead and there’s also an all-weather tennis court.


7. Taste of yesteryear

Kowhai House, the original Kowhai Park homestead in Whangarei, may have no longer have the surrounding land, but it still retains the imposing character of when it was first built. The entry foyer has been opened up to great effect and now the flow between rooms has created flexible living on a grand scale.

There are plenty of charming original features like the fireplaces, high-stud board and batten ceilings and bay windows. The spacious kitchen and informal living area opens to a paved courtyard.

The upstairs bedrooms nestled under the eaves have the charm of yesteryear and there is also a separate two-room studio offering extra accommodation options.


 

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