Located down a little travelled country road in the heart of the Central Hawke’s Bay countryside, you will find this lifestyle retreat nestled amongst idyllic rural surrounds. The 8,693m2 (2.15 acre) site was home to the Mangaorapa School from 1925 until it closed to merge with Porangahau School in 2014. Now the former headmaster’s residence is all that remains of the school. Here you can live the more sustainable life you have always dreamed of, growing your own vegetables, nurturing the existing fruit trees, perhaps keeping chickens and a few pets, with the expansive grounds destined for the sounds of children’s play once more. The three-bedroom dwelling built in the 1960s is typical of its era, with a spacious kitchen/dining area and separate lounge featuring a brand new wood burner. New windows with double-glazing are installed throughout. Both the dining area and lounge have sliders just waiting for the new owners to add decking and take advantage of the expansive rural views. There is large 66m2 (710 ft2) open plan outbuilding with abundant natural lighting adjacent to the house. It is a versatile space for those with a vision, perhaps a studio, craft room, extra space for family and visitors or just a fun rumpus room for the kids. The house is amid renovation that will be up to the new purchaser to complete and reap the benefit of the work already done by the current owners. Mangaorapa is situated just 11 minutes drive from the village of Porangahau, 18 minutes from Porangahau Beach and 40 minutes to the larger township of Waipukurau.

Buyers $495,000+

Waking to the sun rising over the ocean, is there a better way to start your day? Situated just 10 minutes from the sands of Porangahau Beach - yet even closer as the crow flies - embrace the slower pace, breathe in the fresh sea air and make this hilltop lifestyle retreat your everyday escape. Set on 1.79 hectares (4.42 acres) of land, this charming three bedroom weatherboard cottage is perfectly positioned to capture the sensational views over the surrounding countryside with the Pacific Ocean as your backdrop. The sun streams in the windows and radiates off the beautiful polished timber floors of the open plan living area while both an open fire and inbuilt wood burner keeps the home cosy all winter. All three bedrooms are double in size, with a main family bathroom and second shower in the large separate laundry. Outside there is a single garage with adjoining carport, a large woodshed while being nestled in easy to keep gardens with established fruit trees. The three paddocks are supplied by dam water via a water easement and rainwater is collected into tanks for household use. Whether you're drawn by the beach - popular for swimming, surfing, fishing and boating - or the nearby river that becomes a hub for watersports in summer, Porangahau offers a true coastie lifestyle. Golf lovers will appreciate the local 9-hole course and country club, and the Duke of Edinburgh Hotel in the village is the perfect spot for a relaxed meal and local hospitality. This is the kind of property people dream about - and yet, here it is, ready and waiting for you to make your own.

By Negotiation

Ready to unplug, unwind, and live in a slice of off grid paradise? This idyllic 4,425m2 (1.09 acre) retreat is the kind of place where time slows down, the stars shine brighter, and the only traffic jam you'll find is a flock of sheep. With no covenants on the title, let your imagination run wild for your permanent home or holiday base - tiny house, container cabin, dome home, or revamp the "as is, where is" bus that's already onsite. Grow your own veggies, plant some fruit trees, have chickens, a few pets and live off the land including generating your own power with the existing "as is" solar panels included. Days can be spent casting your line between Porangahau Beach 12 minutes (8.7km) to the east or Whangaehu Beach 33 minutes (22.7km) to the south, swinging your golf club or tennis racket the Porangahau Country Club while the close by village of Porangahau is well equipped with a well-stocked dairy and pub that's popular among the locals. The good life is well and truly calling!

Buyers $175,000+