Kanui is a rare, historic equestrian property established in the 1890s, combining heritage charm with exceptional equestrian facilities. Located conveniently close to the motorway, Kanui offers peaceful countryside living on Auckland's outskirts while providing the amenities for both refined living and professional horse care. The original home and outbuildings were constructed in the 1890's and Kanui is one of the original properties in the area.
Cherished by three owners over 134 years. Kanui was originally held and farmed by the Thompson & Smith family for nearly 100 years. Two sisters lived here for circa 70 years after both husbands lost their lives in WW1. The original cottage was extended around 1964 into the larger ground floor configuration of today.
The heart of the property is the main residence, a beautifully restored and expanded two-story villa with generous stud height. This home offers four spacious bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, a chef's kitchen, and a variety of living areas, both upstairs and downstairs, providing flexibility for family living. The chef's kitchen was fully renovated six years ago and features premium Smeg appliances, including a self-cleaning electric oven, six-burner gas hob, and a high-quality overhead extraction unit. A separate dining room with handmade vintage drapes from London, two fully functional fireplaces, and underfloor heating in both tiled showers add to the home's appeal and comfort. A separate laundry and office space are connected externally, and the house boasts multiple built-in storage areas and two attic spaces, adding functionality to the historic charm.
The property has been meticulously designed for equestrian excellence. The stable complex, designed by the current owners, features three main stables, each measuring 5.0m x 5.5m, with rubber-lined floors, fully insulated walls, and ceilings. Built on a concrete foundation with timber framing, these stables are clad in weatherboards matching the main house's character and have long-run steel roofs for durability. Opposite the stables, two covered day yards (4.5m x 4.5m each) offer ample space, along with a float bay that can accommodate a large, over-height horse float. Another covered day yard (4.0m x 6.0m) was added near the old hay barn, preserving its original cladding while adding a practical new facility. All stables and day yards are connected to a water system that feeds automatically, servicing the paddocks, garden hoses, and wash bay.
Kanui also features a fully equipped tack and feed room, a wash bay with a gas-fed califont for easy horse washing, and a custom-designed mare inspection crush, making it ideal for breeding programs. A former boutique breeding operation here has primarily focused on Hanoverian lines, with facilities large enough to accommodate both day-to-day care and foaling.
Training facilities include a professionally constructed full-size dressage arena (60m x 20m), complete with floodlighting, under-surface drainage, and timber edging. Constructed by S. Boler Earthmoving, the arena has a limestone base, compacted metal layers, and a specialist equestrian mix for optimal footing. Mirrors are strategically placed, enhancing training capabilities.
The land itself is ideal for equestrian use, featuring eight post-and-rail paddocks, with four larger and four smaller sections, all fenced to a safe height of 1.5 meters. Fencing includes flexible electric tape for added security, while the undulating terrain provides excellent footing for year-round paddock schooling as a complement to arena work. Kanui's landscape includes extensive plantings along boundaries and within paddocks, lending a park-like atmosphere. Mature fruit trees, historic cultivars, and a 300-meter feijoa planting line the grounds, along with a thriving potager garden.
Outbuildings on the property serve both practical and historic purposes. The original hay and implement barn includes a second-floor mezzanine for storage, with approximately 57 square metres on the ground floor and an additional 28.5 square metres on the mezzanine. Other useful structures include a garage and a bore and pump shed, ensuring a reliable water supply. Six large tanks hold up to 70,000 liters, allowing for plentiful water resources across the property.
With its unique blend of historic character, modern amenities, and first-rate equestrian facilities, Kanui offers a truly special living experience. This estate provides a seamless balance between refined rural lifestyle and high-quality horse care, making it a perfect haven for equestrian enthusiasts or those seeking a blend of heritage and functionality in a rural New Zealand setting. Contact Courtney on 0276880818 to view.
Near Kumeu, Huapai, Taupaki, Coatesville, Waimauku, Woodhill and Muriwai.
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