The property comes as is where is, and has a swimming pool, which is rather slimy at the moment. Photo / Property Brokers
The grounds are full of reminders of its old school days, including the tennis court, school swimming pool (as-is condition) and lawns, now paddocks.
The school was a gathering place, social hub and important part of everyday country life.
Changing times and declining rural populations eventually took their toll.
The school closed its doors to its final six students in 2005. Photo / Property Brokers
By the end of 2004, just six pupils remained, and the school officially closed its doors on April 15, 2005.
Since then, the 1.22ha site in two titles and former school buildings have served as a family home.
Some buildings need a little love and attention, and the property is being sold as is, where is.
Fancy a church instead?
Presbyterian Church Property Trustees have placed the Wanstead church for sale. Photo / Property Brokers
A landmark in the Wanstead community is also being sold as is, where is.
The Wanstead Presbyterian Church, at 1747 Porangahau Rd, has been at the heart of countless celebrations and gatherings.
Rich in history and character, the building sits on an 879sq m section, just a 15-minute drive from Waipukurau.
Property Brokers residential sales consultant Molly Baldwin said the property has received a huge amount of interest.
“The church hasn’t been used as such for number of years, however, it is still looking in fabulous original condition thanks to the local community and neighbours who look after the grounds.
“The property is surplus to requirements so this opportunity allows locals who hold a special connection, church members or just those interested in a unique and special opportunity, to purchase this beautiful church.”
The church is in original condition with an about 60sq m footprint.
Inside the Wanstead Presbyterian Church at 1747 Porangahau Road. Photo / Property Brokers
The building has double-door entry, stained glass windows and an impressive timber ceiling, and inside is set out as one large open space.
The property will be sold without any furniture, with no water, bathroom, bedrooms or septic connections and is a blank space to create, restore or transform.
The power has been disconnected, and the boundary is not fenced.
How about a historic homestead?
The Ongaonga home is entrenched in history. Photo / Property Brokers
Further northwest a homestead at 45 Mill St, Ongaonga is for sale.
The story begins with two families, a sailing ship and a journey halfway around the world in 1877.
What followed was a remarkable chapter in the early history of Ongaonga.
A historic homestead at 45 Mill St in Ongaonga is being sold by Property Brokers. Photo / Property Brokers
Oliver said after admiring the homestead for many years, it’s a privilege to bring it to market.
“With only two families having owned the property since the late 1800s, it’s a remarkable piece of Ongaonga’s history.”
He said it could become a grand family home, boutique accommodation or something entirely different.
“I’m really looking forward to seeing what the next chapter holds for this very special property.”
The two-storey residence was built by George Coles, whose pioneering family established the famous Coles Brothers building and joinery business responsible for constructing much of early Ongaonga.
George was 8 years old when he arrived in New Zealand from Droxford, England in 1877 aboard the Columbus.
Travelling on the same ship was the Cantle family, also answering the call from Ongaonga founder Henry Bridge for skilled carpenters, with 5-year-old Adeline, whom George would marry in 1900.
Together, they made the property their family home.
After George’s death in 1941, Adeline lived there until she died in 1964.
Their son Maurice and his wife Vera also called the property home during the 1950s, before it eventually passed into the hands of the Simpson family.
Doug Simpson had worked in the Coles Brothers factory, and the property has remained in the Simpson family ever since.
Michaela Gower joined Hawke’s Bay Today in 2023 and is based out of the Hastings newsroom. She covers Dannevirke and Hawke’s Bay news and loves sharing stories about farming and rural communities.