“Sales increased in October, with salespeople attributing the rise in recent months to a growing number of active buyers,” Ryley said.
“The combination of new stock, warmer weather, increased competition, lower interest rates and renewed confidence in the improving economy has influenced market sentiment, suggesting that now is a great time to buy in the region.”
In this market, Bayleys is advertising a 106ha rural property with a 500sq m home that “takes your breath away” for sale by tender at 562 Waimata Valley Rd, near Gisborne.
Bayleys country specialist Simon Bousfield, in a statement, described the home as exceptional because of its scale and grandeur.
Gisborne had the highest proportional sales count increase in the country, up 70.3% year-on-year to 63 sales. Photo / Bayleys
The home was extensively renovated in 2017 by the current owners, a local family who operated their international business from Gisborne, according to Bayleys.
“Strong local supporters, the family have often shown their philanthropic heart by hosting large gatherings as part of the Eastland Rescue Helicopter charity prizes,” the statement said.
The property has a designer kitchen with “luxurious proportions and high-end appliances”, a 10-seater dining table and underfloor heating topped with marble tiles.
“It really is a one-of-a-kind, lodge-like home, and an ideal base for lifestyle, luxury and leisure at home or further afield around the region,” Bousfield said.
There is also an open fire, full-sized billiard table and built-in bar in the living area, and the house comes equipped with a scullery and bespoke wine cellar filled with about 1200 bottles.
Bayleys country specialist Simon Bousfield described 562 Waimata Valley Rd as a ‘legacy property’. Photo / Bayleys
Four bedrooms, two with ensuites, come with heat pumps and storage.
There is a family bathroom for the other bedrooms, plus a powder room.
The garage has space for six vehicles, and there are side rooms for hobbies and gym equipment.
“There’s a grass helipad beside the homestead for those who prefer to arrive in style,” Bousfield said.
The property has landscaped gardens and a water feature with its own stream.
“From the dining area, you can enjoy views across the gardens and the stream that meanders through them. It’s a very peaceful setting to enjoy,” Bousfield said.
Bayleys said the land around the home had been set up with farming and recreation in mind.
“The property has a deer-fenced perimeter and is home to a herd of fallow deer plus good numbers of red deer, which tend to live in the native bush areas on the property.”
Bousfield said it was “likely to appeal more as a private, secure hunting block for the homeowner to enjoy themselves”.
There were also “15-20ha of clear grazing country, fed with ample water for livestock” and a “rustic” nine-hole golf course established by the previous owner.
“This really is much more than just a home. It’s one of those legacy properties, more like a private sanctuary with its own hunting escape or a weekend retreat, or both,” Bousfield said.
Unless it is sold prior, tenders close for the property at 4pm on December 10, at Bayleys Real Estate Ltd, 10 Reads Quay.