537 Wellington Road, Marton, Manawatu / Whanganui

Steeped in history and exuding grace and grandeur is this magnificent homestead, a beautiful example of an 1880's gentleman's country residence. Wairoma was built for Reginald Beckett in 1884 and it remained in the Beckett family for the next 100 years. Mr Beckett was a three time mayor and founding father of Marton. The home has been completely restored by its current owners, with love and empathy for the outstanding original features for which it is so admired.
For those considering escaping the congestion of city life and the cost of city housing for the tranquility and sensible costs in the provinces, Marton is ideal from many viewpoints including its temperate climate, locality and educational opportunities. It is home to two of the country's leading schools being Nga Tawa Diocesan School and Huntley Co-Educational Prep School. Whanganui Collegiate and Palmerston North Boys High are also nearby.

Located in the heart of the Rangitikei, Marton is experiencing real growth and is conveniently located within commuting distance of Whanganui, Ohakea, Feilding and Palmerston North, and just 2 1/2 hours from Wellington and Taupo and an hour and a bit to the ski fields.
Wairoma is an imposing one level residence which sits in pride of place amidst 8.5 tranquil acres comprising landscaped lawns and garden, magnificent specimen trees, a meandering stream, woodland and farmland. And yet being on the border of the town boundary it enjoys the benefits of town water supply, sewerage disposal and fast fibre broadband at the front gate. The township and schools are just minutes away.

The home comprises 5 bedrooms, 4 living areas, (being the living/dining room; formal lounge or drawing room; library/office; conservatory/dining room, a stunning foyer, 3 bathrooms, a separate powder room, kitchen, guest room with ensuite and storeroom within the circa 500m² footprint.
It features many 19th century characteristics such as the 14 foot stud, copious native timber paneling, hardwood floors, decorative ceilings, feature leadlight and stained glass windows and doors, solid wood doors with ebony fittings, 7 open fireplaces and an Inglenook. With recent refurbishment it is now enriched with modern aesthetic décor and a soothing palette, which combine to provide an exceptional ambience and sense of grandeur.
In the past three years the current owners have done significant restorative work on the house and surrounds, making it ready for another 136 years of occupation. Major projects include the installation of new colour steel roofing, spouting and downpipes; repainting the entire outside; installation of economical diesel fired boiler and 13 x radiator central heating system and refurbishing open fireplaces; stripping scrim & wallpaper, gib stopped & repaint interior. Deforestation of land to create paddock for animals or horticulture; renovation of the servants quarters providing guest accommodation with ensuite and lounge.
The house has HRV ventilation throughout, insulation underfloor and in the ceiling, gib board lined walls on top of dressed tongue and groove Rimu sarking, making for perfectly warm and dry living.
The lay-out provides for a new owner to utilise the facilities to suit their needs. This idyllic property is the perfect family home as it is, but could also be readily adapted to suit a variety of schemes. It would be a great wedding and function venue for example, and also perfect for an exclusive Air B & B or lodge. Its ample space makes it an ideal work from home for professionals and/or artists. And then the pasture across the stream is perfect for ponies or a few sheep and calves. A boutique horticultural enterprise such as an olive grove, vineyard or vegetable growing would work well in the climate and on the rich free draining organic soil.
As for the house itself, the guest quarters could very easily be converted to a self-contained granny flat. Any of the bedrooms could serve as an office, studio or rumpus room, or alternatively the five bedrooms in the house could all comfortably accommodate conversion to 4 bedrooms each with an en-suite. The kitchen retains the style of the 1950s when it was installed but is fitted with modern appliances. It could either be extended or relocated to another area of the house to suit if required.
Once you take in the stained glass grand entrance you will be captivated by the glow of the native wood and the expanse of the central hall with an open fire to welcome your guests on a winters evening. From the handsome ornate living room the covered conservatory/dining room flows with a captivating vista of the sweeping lawn and magnificent trees including two eye-catching 140 year old copper beech's.
Another building separate to the house but near the back door houses the laundry. This quaint exposed aggregate building of about 20 m² clad in Boston Ivy is said to be the oldest known building of its type. It houses the laundry and still has the original copper and clothes rack. It would convert to many other uses at very little expense if desired.
Be prepared to be captivated with this once in a lifetime opportunity where ALL the hard work has been done. Call me anytime to view...Deadline Treaty 17 Nov (unless sold prior)

Link to Nga Tawa: www.ngatawaschool.nz
Link to Huntley Co-Educational: www.huntley.school.nz
Link to Whanganui Collegiate: www.collegiate.school.nz Property ID: #FG7013