641 Blackhead Road, Wallingford, Central Hawkes Bay

The sweetest wee thing you ever did see! Every bit the "cottage in the country", complete with traditional front verandah, wide-open rural views and a one-acre rustic garden setting. You can't help but fall completely head over heels here, and that's before you even step in the door! Inside, the old and new have come together beautifully where character features have been lovingly celebrated, and the spaces opened up and modernised for everyday living. Moody colours, textured wallpaper, tongue and groove timber detailing and unexpected pops of personality give the interior a look that is full of soul. The living spaces are generous and light-filled - throw open not one, but two sets of French doors and let summer spill out onto the large deck, or light the free standing woodburner and settle in for winter. The open-plan layout keeps everyone connected, while the bold kitchen makes great use of the space and captures plenty of sun. Two good sized double bedrooms and a tidy bathroom that incorporates the laundry in a clever, space-saving layout. And then there's outside... Soak under the stars in the outdoor bath with plumbed-in hot water, gather around the outdoor fire, potter away in the garden or retreat to the little studio shed. The expansive deck is the place to be when entertaining, and even a powerpoint ready and waiting for a spa pool. Set on an acre (4,011m2), there is room here to create your own little slice of country life. Make the most of the existing fruit trees, plant a vege garden, keep a few chickens or fence off a paddock for a couple of animals. Located in the Flemington community, this is rural living without completely disappearing off the map. Flemington School is just three minutes away, while the nearby polo club adds to the sense of the country lifestyle on offer. You can enjoy the peace, privacy and slower pace of the country while still being only 20 minutes from town. Very rarely do cottages in the country pop on the market - so best be in quick for this!

Buyers $555,000+

Tucked away on a beautifully planted acre high above the Tukituki River in rural Otane, this stunning designer home makes a striking impression from the moment you arrive. There's the park-like setting, beautifully established native gardens, walking access to the river reserve, modern design and, of course, that red front door. Birch ply ceilings with crisp negative detailing, polished concrete floors and perfectly positioned windows and doors create a home that feels completely connected to its surroundings. Sun pours in, the outlook is framed at every turn and the open-plan living space feels far bigger than the footprint suggests. At the heart of it all is a seriously good entertainer's kitchen, while two generous bedrooms offer excellent wardrobe space and their own clever features. The master looks out across the gardens towards the river, while the guest bedroom wardrobe is wired for use as an office or sewing nook. Even the stunning bathroom gets in on the act, with the bath perfectly positioned for soaking while taking in the view. Free-standing Kent wood burner, heat pump, gas hot water and a large double internal-access garage. Outside, the hard work has already been done. The fully fenced 4000m2 grounds have been extensively and professionally planted with maturing native gardens attracting birdlife, to create a landscape that will only become more impressive with time. Three water tanks provide rain and bore water storage, while the peaceful rural setting delivers the kind of tranquillity that's increasingly hard to find, 10 minutes from Waipawa and 15 minutes from Otane. Clever. Beautifully designed. And one of the few with river access. This is one of those properties you simply have to experience for yourself. A must view.

Buyers $795,000+

If you've been waiting for a lifestyle with the "wow factor" here it is! Impeccably presented and beautifully positioned within a rural setting on the outskirts of town, this stunning 1.706ha (4.21 acre) property delivers a like-new lifestyle wrapped into one seriously good-looking package - without the headaches, hard work, planning and planting that come with building yourself. Built by the trusted team at Hawke's Bay Homes, relocated to the site and perfectly positioned to capture sweeping, picture perfect uninterrupted rural views and all-day sun, the open plan living area was made for entertaining, relaxing and everything in between. Two sets of large sliding doors create seamless indoor-outdoor flow to the expansive entertainer's deck, complete with a sunken spa pool area (spa pool an optional extra). The striking kitchen is equally impressive, featuring stunning finishes, quality appliances, a central island bench and walk-in pantry. There are three double bedrooms, including a beautifully appointed master suite with ensuite, walk-in wardrobe and sliders opening directly to the deck. Warm and energy efficient, the home is fully insulated with double glazed aluminium joinery, a heat pump, freestanding Metro wood burner, gas hot water with plush woollen carpet underfoot. Outside, the wow factor just keeps delivering! There's a double garage, exposed aggregate concreted utility areas, expansive lawns (Robo mower optional), attractive post-and-rail fencing and expertly landscaped gardens that make the whole property feel established and polished. Add in two 33,000 litre rainwater tanks, paddocks for the pets and even a nicely planted meandering stream, and you've got a lifestyle that ticks every box. Located just minutes from Waipawa with its boutique shops, cafes and amenities, and only around 35 minutes from Hastings, this is land, location and lifestyle all wrapped up in one enviable package. This is the kind of property some buyers wait years to find - don't delay!

By Negotiation