One of the first things you notice when you drive past 955 Ahuroa Road is the barn. In fact, you might not realise it’s a barn given the calibre of its construction. This stately first impression sets the scene for the rest of the property.
Maggie Hutchinson is the fourth generation to work 955 Ahuroa Road in Puhoi, Rodney. In 2016 she and her husband Ian (“Hutch”) purchased the 330-acre farm from the family trust after her parents died.
“Maggie’s dad poured his heart and soul into the farm, but after he had a stroke the farm went backwards,” recalls Hutch.
“When he died, I said to Maggie, ‘We should buy the farm as a retirement project, restore it, and breathe new life into it.’ And that’s what we’ve done.”
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When Maggie and Hutch first moved to the farm, they lived in the original cottage Maggie’s great grandfather built in the 1880s while their own home was built. But first things first: the shed.
“We built the shed first so I didn’t miss out on having a shed,” laughs Hutch.
“We were going to spend a lot of time in there so it had to be good. There had to be something in there for Maggie too, so I added a few horse stables to the plans for good luck.”
955 Ahuroa Road in Puhoi, Rodney, is on the market for sale by tender closing March 7. The three-bedroom, two-bathroom, six-vehicle garaging property has a 2021 RV of $5.4 million.
The current owners bought the farm from the family trust and built their modern masterpiece while living in the original cottage their great grandfather had built in the 1880s. Photo / Supplied
The modern shed has a few horse stables, tack room and garaging for six vehicles, and is an indication of the careful consideration that has gone into the rest of the property. Photo / Supplied
The careful consideration that has gone into the shed is reflected throughout the rest of the property. Maggie and Hutch’s home is both true to the farm’s origins and a spectacular, modern masterpiece. High ceilings and enormous windows create a sense of space and wellbeing. The kitchen, living and pool areas are perfect for entertaining, while the enormous four-bay garage blends seamlessly into the design of the house.
Beyond the pool is a working stud farm that grazes 125 Red Devon cattle. Over the last eight years, the property has been re-fenced and re-raced. The couple has planted 150,000 native trees, fenced off the waterways, and added riparian margins. Water is pumped using a windmill that is now an icon on the local skyline, and the house is run on solar.
“Our motivation wasn’t to save the planet; it was to make our lives easier. We looked at steep land and thought we’re better to plant it out than trek up there.
“Of the 330 acres we now only farm 120 because the rest has been planted. We’re not greenies, but when people see the work we’ve done they laugh and say we can’t get much greener.”
What’s most fascinating about these passionate farmers is that this isn’t even Hutch’s day job. Managing Director of Hutchinson Consulting Engineers, Hutch gets up at 3am every morning so he can get some farmwork done before heading into the office at 7am.
Water is pumped using a windmill that is now an icon on the local skyline, and the house is run on solar. Photo / Supplied
High ceilings and enormous windows create a sense of space and wellbeing, and the kitchen, living and pool areas are perfect for entertaining. Photo / Supplied
“This isn’t work for me,” he muses. “We love what we do, and every morning I jump out of bed and know today’s going to be better than it was yesterday.”
While the hard yards have been done, there is potential for future development.
Bayleys agent Dianna Coman says, “At 330 acres, you’ll struggle to find a block of land of this size and quality so close to Auckland. A new owner could enjoy the property as it is now, or there’s potential to split it into 11 lots. This property truly is one of the special ones.”
For Maggie and Hutch, this has been a real labour of love.
“Maggie often says her dad would be proud to see what we’ve achieved here. Most people would sit back and enjoy the fruits of their labour, but our enjoyment is doing stuff and achieving things. I suspect we’ll do exactly the same thing all over again in the future.”
- 955 Ahuroa Road in Puhoi, Rodney, is for sale by tender closing March 7
