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+

Refined country living that embodies the lifestyle ideal - 5.36 hectares (13.25 acres) of productive land with a substantial family homestead nestled beautifully into the rural landscape that is Central Hawke's Bay. The stunning grounds showcase a magnificent array of established specimen trees underplanted with well-tended gardens, terraced vegetable beds and sweeping lawns to create an inviting setting for those yearning serenity and seclusion. Extensive outdoor entertaining options extend from both the open plan living and formal lounge including an amazing covered pavilion (the perfect setting for Christmas lunch!) while being enhanced by elevated positioning to take in the stunning outlook across the rolling tree studded pastoral lands that surround, with the Ruahine Ranges in the distance. There are three double bedrooms within the main homestead along with a study and two bathrooms. Nestled within the tranquil gardens is a cosy cabin and spacious studio, ideal as a creative space for artists or authors alike and as extra bedrooms. The infrastructure fulfils the lifestyle brief with a small implement shed, double farm shed, workshop and car garaging along with 60,000 litre water storage (rain supply) and a dam in the back paddock. Situated 30km south of Waipukurau, and 15km north of Porangahau village with Porangahau and Blackhead beaches both within easy day tripping reach. The superb location, private setting and impressive credentials add to the incredible opportunity this truly special property offers for those in search of a better life in the country or perhaps with an entrepreneurial eye. An opportunity not to be missed.

Buyers $995,000+

Sunrise to sunset - east to west - horizon to horizon - there's no doubting these are some of the most exceptional views Central Hawke's Bay has to offer at present. Wake to the distant sound of waves crashing on the beach or enjoy the tuis flitting about the garden come Spring. Currently utilised as a private residence, the potential for Airbnb style accommodation here is immense. You or your guests can get away amongst the rural surrounds, spend the days at the nearby Porangahau Beach, swinging clubs or rackets at the Porangahau Country Club multi sports facility while the close by village of Porangahau is well equipped for holiday makers with a well-stocked dairy and pub that's popular among the locals. Immaculately presented and exceptionally well kept, this charming cottage has three double bedrooms, beautifully appointed modern kitchen and bathroom, and open plan style living that enjoys the authentic heat of a free standing fire. Outside the freshly repainted exterior evokes a holiday vibe while being set on just over an acre of land (4,694m2), with low maintenance native plantings, along with a large three bay implement style shed (two bays enclosed, one open), septic tank and two 25,000 litre rainwater tanks with water filter. This affordable rural hideaway could be your retreat from the world!

Buyers $475,000+