Nearly all the plants in Sue Cooper’s spectacular Banks Peninsula garden are edible.
Heritage apples, pears, nashi pears, figs, nectarines, avocados, quince, lemons, mandarins, lemonade, feijoas, and pomegranates. Oh, and 80 olive trees which produced 60 litres of pristine extra virgin oil this year for friends and family.
All set on 4ha at 750 Rue Pompallier, overlooking Akaora Harbour, an hour’s drive from Christchurch.
Sue and her late husband, Robert, divided their time between the seaside town and Christchurch for decades, owning a variety of properties during that time. After the earthquakes, they decided to stay put in Akaroa and enjoy the special community.
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But the property is large, and Sue has decided it’s time for someone else to share the pleasure.
It’s being sold by Alex Cooney and Courtney Doig of Colliers in Christchurch and is set for auction on 8 December.
Built in 2017, the 225sq m house is nestled inconspicuously in the landscape. Construction is of specially insulated MagRoc, and comprises three double bedrooms, all with their own ensuite, a stunning award-winning kitchen by Ingrid Geldof, wraparound deck, and AquaZone swim spa.
“We wanted a home that is sympathetic to the environment, not standing out when viewed from the harbour,” Sue says.
“It’s an extremely special spot, the view is constantly changing and there’s always something new to look at, whatever the weather.
“The family’s had fantastic times here and we’ve hosted over 100 people with no problem. It’s time for someone else to enjoy many more good times.”
No stranger to this part of Akaora, Sue and Robert once owned property on Old French Road, Takamatua, at the entrance into the village. There they planted 1,000 olive trees that are in full commercial production today, under the current owners.
In 2004 they bought Mt Vernon Lodge and the surrounding land, upgrading it to the event and wedding venue it is today. They sold the 6.5ha property in 2012 but retained 13.8ha for themselves, 4.1ha of which is now for sale with the family retaining the balance.
Cooney describes it as a unique lifestyle paradise.
“It truly offers the best of modern living in a magical setting within walking distance to the township of Akaroa.”
Akaroa was the only French settlement in New Zealand and is well known for its harbour cruises to view dolphins, penguins, and fur seals.
“It’s a really special town that has retained its unique character. Plenty of people commute from there to work in Christchurch each day while others treat it as their favourite holiday destination,” Doig says.
“There’s a lot of new development happening in the township.”
- Article supplied by Colliers
