Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Historic Otago homestead bought
Historic Otago homestead bought after a twist of fate back on the market
A landmark property north of Dunedin that was bought after a search for the perfect coffee 28 years ago has been placed back on the market for sale.
It is only the second time in nearly 100 years the grand homestead located in Waikouaiti north of Dunedin has been on the market.
In 1987 Swiss couple Esther and Juerg Ritter were touring New Zealand in a campervan when a fraught search for a good cup of coffee in Dunedin unexpectedly led them to the well-known property.
“We had been on the road for three weeks and were desperate for a decent coffee…we had plenty of the ‘gumboot’ brew but being European we needed an espresso,” said Ms Ritter.
The couple was delighted to discover Stewart’s Coffee - the first coffee house in Dunedin and at the time the only one in New Zealand to roast its own beans. Fueled by caffeine, they celebrated their find by buying some artwork at the nearby Moray Gallery. It was while speaking to the owner about their interest in local property that she introduced them to her friend, a real estate salesperson based next door.
The salesperson took them to look at a stately home in the small settlement of Waikouaiti, located only 30 minutes drive from Dunedin near the white sand beach and they instantly felt a connection to it.
The 1920s home at 212 Ramrock Road was previously owned by one of the earliest settler families to the area, the Hecklers. The family lived in the homestead and farmed the land for generations.
“We instantly fell in love with this place - the location set among mature trees and native bush, as well as the birdlife, warmth and spaciousness of the house and garden. We were enchanted,” said Ms Ritter.
In a spontaneous decision, the couple decided the six-bedroom home was just what they were looking for and bought it. Initially the property was planned to be their retirement home, but after returning to Hong Kong where they were living at the time and having a daughter soon after, the couple decided to return to Waikouaiti permanently. They immigrated to New Zealand the following year.
Now 28 years later, and after a lifetime of fantastic memories the decision has been made to place the property on the market for sale with Bayleys Dunedin so that the cafes and art galleries of Europe can be explored again. The deadline sale closes on April 6, and all prior offers will be considered.
Ms Ritter said their years at the property, where their two children grew up, have been the best of their lives due to the lifestyle at the home and within the surrounding area.
Bayleys Dunedin salesperson Steve Havard who is marketing the property, said its location, setting and possible business opportunities made it an attractive offering to potential buyers.
“This is a beautiful house in a secluded setting, centrally located in Waikouaiti, close to all of the area’s amenties and attractions, and only 30 minute from Dunedin city,” he said.
“Waikouaiti is an attractive town with lots to offer including sports facilities, clubs, a farmers’ market every Saturday during the summer, specialty shops and locally designed clothing.
“The region is rich in recreational opportunities including swimming, surfing, and fishing at the beach or river, golf, walks and the bird sanctuary. This is a country lifestyle only 30 minutes from major city.”
Entrance to the six-bedroom homestead is via a long tree-line driveway, surrounded by extensive park-like grounds. The 320sqm (approx) house has been renovated to a high standard, while retaining original details and craftsmanship. It features six bedrooms and three bathrooms, plenty of spaces for entertaining, a double garage and additional spaces accommodate plenty of room for parking.
Built on three hectares, the grounds feature an extensive vegetable garden, trees, manicured lawns, an established orchard including walnut and hazelnut trees, stables and plenty of room for chickens, horses and other pets.
“This authentic home provides a link to a past lifestyle, allowing a new owner to create a sustainable lifestyle living off the land,” said Mr Havard.
“The property would be ideally suited as a spacious family home or alternatively it also presents a new owner with the opportunity to take advantage of the growing tourism market. The home is currently listed with Airbnb and a new owner maybe able to further develop this accommodation business.”
The size and location of the property could also make it an ideal venue for weddings, hosting corporate events or as independent boutique restaurant subject to consents, said Mr Havard.
ENDS
Bayleys Real Estate
New Zealand
Bayleys is New Zealand's largest full-service real estate company. We offer expertise in the marketing and sale of a wide range of property, including residential real estate, farms and lifestyle blocks, and commercial and industrial property. This includes tourism and business sales such as hotels and motels. We also cover the real estate markets in Fiji and other Pacific Islands.
Bayleys also provides a complete property and facilities service including property management and valuations teams focused on achieving both Owner and Tenant satisfaction.
No other real estate company can match our breadth of coverage across all market sectors throughout New Zealand.
University of Canterbury: What Makes People Tick Environmentally?
Gallagher Security: Release Of New Command Centre Unlocks New Era Of Security Tech
Fix & Fogg: NASA Hand-picks Kiwi Nut Butter Brand To Travel To Space In NZ First
Citizens of the Sea: Sailors To Revolutionise Our Understanding Of Pacific Biodiversity
Netsafe: Making A Splash With Online Safety: Netsafe Launches New Flagship Programme For Kids
NZGBC: Flood Resilience PhD Student Widi Auliagisni Named Future Thinker Of The Year 2024
