Productive farm offers attractive work and play options

A highly regarded 132 hectare dairy farm nestled amongst the lush greenery of the Rai Valley, the gateway to the Marlborough Sounds, is on the market for sale.

The property is set on 132 hectares of land and is made up of eight freehold titles. It is approximately 70km from Blenheim and 50km from Nelson.

The property is for sale by auction through real estate agency Bayleys on March 30 at the company’s Nelson office. Bayleys Nelson rural salesperson Andy Poswillo said the farm offered potential buyers an attractive business prospect as well as a perfect lifestyle option for lovers of outdoor pursuits.

The land comprises 100 hectares of flat land and 24 hectares of moderate hill country - with a total rateable value of $3.5million. The milking platform is divided into 45 paddocks - ranging in size from 1.4 hectares to three hectares, while a 32 metre concrete bridge provides all weather access to the 40 hectare of milking platform on the eastern side of the Opouri River.

The hill block comprises of 18 paddocks - with two-wire electric fencing within a 24 hectare space. Trough water is available in every paddock, with good tracks for access throughout the block.

Mr Poswillo said while the hill block was currently used for carry over cow and some replacement grazing, it had the infrastructure to be milked off if desired.

“The property has a stocking rate of 3.75 cows per hectare, with a three year average of 145,217kg/ms. However, this season it is on target to produce 167,000kg/ms,” he said.

Mr Poswillo said the property offered farmers the security of a solid production history while at the same time the ability to enjoy the stunning green scenery and fantastic native bush.

“The owners have put a lot of time and effort into supporting the huge potential this land offers. A strong fertiliser and a consistent re-grassing policy have allowed the owners to maintain the farm’s excellent production history,” he said.

“This has been teamed with a number of carefully thought out improvements which have enhanced the functionality and overall productivity of the land.”

Nestled amongst a garden of trees and shrubs is a three bedroom homestead with two ensuite bathrooms. The split level home has an open plan kitchen/ dinning area complete with a large adjoining living area. An additional large living area on a separate level could easily be used as a fourth bedroom or as an area to entertain guests. In addition is a large in-ground swimming pool.

Adjacent to the homestead is a new fully self contained one bedroom flat. The farm also has a three-bedroom 1930’s weatherboard home with double garage.

Mr Poswillo said: “In addition to this idyllic setting, the farm is just a two kilometre drive from the Rai Valley township and is zoned for the Rai Valley Area School teaching years 1-13 pupils.”

“On weekends, the holiday havens of Okiwi Bay, Cissy Bay, Elaine Bay and the Tennyson Inlet provide fantastic opportunities for kayaking, fishing, mountain biking and boating.”