When Gary and Ali Jackson bought their six-hectare property overlooking the Cromwell Racecourse in 1999, it was a bare paddock with one horse.
Both teachers, Gary teaching art and Ali science, they’d met at Cromwell College, then moved away to Southland for nine years, returning when Ali was offered job at the college in 1999. A move back fitted for their family, by now including children Kenzie and Hunter, then aged six and four. Cromwell also appealed with the couple’s growing interest in cherries.
“We weren’t the only ones. Cherries were on the rise at the time.
“We knew Cromwell was ideal for growing cherries and historically this block used to be an orchard, though by the time we came in only a few remnant plum trees were left. We were fortunate to be able to buy the property, which others were also interested in,” says Gary.
In the first year Gary planted 868 cherry trees, all by hand, with a further 800 the following year.
“We had one old tractor, and flood irrigation with no dam. That meant you would spend the whole day shifting water. To keep the birds off the fruit we rode around the orchard on a motorcycle with a shotgun. Now we have a dam with full irrigation provided through the Ripponvale Irrigation Company, several tractors, Hi-Lifts for harvest and pruning, and nets for bird protection across the whole orchard, which now numbers 3000 cherry trees.
“From then to now a world of difference has developed in cherries. Back then the cherries were small. Now, for export, they must be a two-bite experience. We grow seven varieties, with plenty of emphasis on nutrition and sweetness. We have learnt a thing or two about how to grow them. Only the tastiest, ripest, largest and crunchiest cherries pass muster.”
As well as planting the trees, they needed somewhere to live. Not shy of a challenge, the Jacksons purchased what had been the Ripponvale Hospital nurse’s accommodation, relocated, replumbed, rewired, and renovated it, adding an extension to turn it into a six-bedroom, 260m² home.
During the initial years on the orchard, Gary did some relief teaching and building, though let that go after a couple of years, when the cherries began providing an income. Ali retired from teaching in 2015, once the cherries had paid off the mortgage.
They opened their roadside store ‘Off Our Tree Cherries’ in 2002, selling their freshly picked fruit. They also offer pick-your-own, and courier deliveries nationwide, while the bulk of their cherries go to export via a local packhouse.
While seasonal work on the orchard is strenuous, particularly around harvest and with pruning during the winter months, the downtimes and their large main orchard shed presented Gary with the opportunity to build a yacht, named Huia, which took him eight years. He’s also maintained his art, specialising in print making, while Ali has developed her own art practice making felt art. They both sell their work from the orchard stall.
Now however, with Kenzie working as a hydrologist in Taupo and Hunter as an aircraft technician in Christchurch, Gary and Ali have decided to pursue their art, and their sailing, and have engaged Kurt Snook and Robin Jenkins of PGG Wrightson Real Estate, Cromwell to find a buyer for the orchard.
Kurt describes it as offering boundless opportunities.
“Location is paramount in real estate. This property stands out as an ideal opportunity for a forward-thinking buyer, or a grower looking to capitalise on the existing cherry business and explore its further potential.
“A unique bungalow-style home offers breathtaking views over the local equestrian cross-country grounds and racecourse. Neighbouring a crown lease means it will never be built out, while proximity to Cromwell opens numerous opportunities, including the potential for RSE worker accommodation, a campground for the town, or a packhouse. Further into the future, subject to suitable consenting, subdivision might also be an option,” says Kurt.
When they leave the orchard, what Gary will most miss is the peace.
“It’s so lovely and quiet, so private.”
While Huia is currently moored on Stewart Island, he and Ali eventually intend to relocate the yacht, and themselves, to Nelson.
The orchard has an asking price of $2.95 million, plus GST if any.
