Push to sell Hawke's Bay haven

THERE’S a renewed push to sell ‘High Ridge’ in New Zealand’s magnificent Hawke’s Bay.

As the vendors no longer reside at 266 Blackbarn Rd, Havelock North, this extraordinary Hill Country Estate property must be sold.

Hawke’s Bay, on the North Island, is loved for its wine, sunshine, Art Deco architecture and spectacular walking tracks.

This four-bedroom haven, on the fringe of famous Te Mata Peak, was built by Leo and Anne-Marie Leader after they moved to the area for the easy living lifestyle.

“We both enjoy travelling, so having a home that we can lock and leave was part of the decision making when choosing to live on the Hill Country Estate,” Mr Leader said.

“From High Ridge, we have an ever-changing landscape. In summer, the blue ocean, and rolling hills over to the ranges and beyond. Spring and autumn have their own beautiful aspect but winter is also stunning with snow on the ranges and the ski fields of Mount Ruapehu visible from our home taking your breath away. Below the entrance to Hill Country, summer also sees the arrival of the boutique farmers market, an amphitheatre for a limited number of concerts and open-air cinema, which residents have complimentary tickets for.”

The couple’s dream design pushed the boundaries of the latest in home construction innovation, particularly their wish to use a variety of glass.

“Argon-filled double glazing with thermal breaks ensure the least heat loss allowing us to have large windows to kick back and enjoy the spectacular views,” Mr Leader said.

“Not wanting to spoil the rooms with wall-mounted heat pumps, we installed water heat pumps feeding underfloor water pipes in the concrete allowing each room to have individual thermostat controls to suit individual living styles. Toasty warm rooms in our living spaces benefit from the ambiance of a glowing flame during winter, we installed two gas fires because we could.”

Two years of planning and design were invested into ensuring every detail met the highest standards, followed by two years of construction by one of the Hawke’s Bay’s best-known builders

“We employed the best joiners in Hawke’s Bay using mainly American light oak for those intricate finishings. The pool room was constructed by a cold storage manufacturer, this high-spec insulation keeps the pool room warm in winter and cool in summer giving us a luxurious room to enjoy 24/7 throughout the year. It was the first pool in the bay to have insulated sides and bottom, also benefiting from a magnesium-treated water system with no nasty chemicals, with the water heated during the colder months by a heat pump.”

Other features include a separate study, soundproof media room, sauna, master bedroom with dressing room and ensuite, as well as a vast undercover outdoor entertaining area which has been a paradise for friends and family to share those special foodie moments through to the late evening as the wall mounted gas heater keeps them warm.

“We are both car enthusiasts so an insulated garage was essential for storing five cars,” Mr Leader said.

“There are only 48 properties within this private estate; surrounded by vines, native trees, and the right to roam over 400 acres of Queen Elizabeth II Trust land. Residents have access to the private 9-hole golf course, tennis court and a fully-equipped pavilion overlooking spectacular views for those extra-large barbecue parties.”

Havelock North Village, voted the nation’s most beautiful suburb, is only a few minutes drive from the property’s gated community.

Ray White Hastings sales agent Zak Marsden said he couldn’t be more thrilled to represent the Leaders in selling their home, which he believed was arguably one of the most impressive in the region.

“The owners are very motivated to have this property sold, and I'm going to sell it,” Mr Marsden said.

"The beauty of the home lies in the focus on all the minute details, which all add up to a noticeably high-quality package.”

Mr Marsden said the owners had reluctantly moved on and the property must be sold.

“This home really is the best available on the market, and with open-minded and motivated vendors who want to see a result yesterday, now is your opportunity to make this outstanding home and lifestyle yours.”

High Ridge is for sale by tender, closing 3pm (NZDT) on February 12.