196 Clinton-Makaretu Road, Ashley Clinton, Central Hawkes Bay

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

If you could combine calm lifestyle, location, income and sustainability, would that be your slice of heaven? This is a truly restful retreat in a stunning part of the world - on the river and minutes from the popular Kairakau beach. So thoughtfully curated to ensure you live a self sustainable, off grid good life with great potential for income generation from the land or the coffee cart, or as a holiday retreat when the summer sun shines on us. The two bedroom modern, warm home is compact and clever, no wasted space but welcoming and stylish. The walk to ‘work’ from there is simple, with 3.14 hectares you can run a few sheep, fatten some cattle and grow until your hearts content. There is a large carport alongside the house, a separate container and shed, a potting shed and over 60sqm of vegetable gardens, an abundance of berries, fruit trees and citrus. There is great water supply with a bore, tank at the house and irrigation throughout the garden. The owners are also very negotiable to leaving a lot of tools, equipment, quad bikes and gear. There is great internet, solar and gas for off grid necessities, shedding, thousands of natives and space to keep on developing. As one couples dream changes, this could be your permanent retreat from the world or holiday base camp. Let your imagination run wild.

$699,000