Joe Comins is most of the way to achieving his dream, to develop a park on 38 hectares of rolling Waikato country.
Joe bought the property, then a grazing block six kilometres east of Cambridge with a couple of tracts of existing bush, in mid 2020.
“I’m an ex-farm boy. I love the outdoors: hunting, bush and birdlife. My aim was to turn this place into parkland, so that it could be enjoyed in that way.”
While the dream is almost in reach, Joe has decided he is not the one to finish it. “I wanted this more than the rest of my family. They are happier closer to town.” What that means is someone else can now pick up and fully enjoy completing Joe’s vision.
Since 2020 he has planted around 20,000 trees, the bulk of them natives plus a mix of exotics and specimens, fenced out pests, put in two to three kilometres of bulldozed tracks and bike trails, built a duckpond, and prepared plans for a spectacular home making the most of the panoramic Waikato views on an elevated site.
In 2021 he also built an interim home, which Martin Lee of PGG Wrightson Real Estate, Cambridge, who is now selling the property, describes as meticulously crafted luxury.
“Spanning over 400m2, the residence offers ample space with four external bedrooms and three bathrooms, designed for comfort and style, including expansive outdoor living and entertaining areas, complete with a swim spa pool.”
As Joe explains, this is not intended as a long-term home, more an office or recreation space, though also with potential as luxury short-term accommodation.
“The best building site is elevated, on the north-eastern aspect of the property. Power and water supplies have been run adjacent to the future site. An amazing site-specific design for a long-term 560m2 home on that site makes the most of the panoramic views, with these plans from Paua Architecture, Hamilton available to the purchaser.”
Also available is an Environmental Benefit Lot (EBL) granted by Waipa District Council recognising ‘restoration and protection of indigenous vegetation or habitat for indigenous fauna.’ This recognises Joe’s planting and pest control measures, providing the option to subdivide out a 5500m2 block on the north side of the property. All costs for this have been completed.
An additional EBL subdivision title, transferable to other sites, is also being made available, so long as the pest management programme and regeneration of natives is maintained.
Martin Lee describes it as a rare gem of a property.
“Its stunning landscape creates a perfect blend of natural beauty and modern luxury, offering an unparalleled lifestyle opportunity for a discerning buyer. While the recent work planting and fencing native bush to create a wildlife haven is the property’s most immediately striking feature, approximately 15 hectares of grazable land, ideal for farming or equestrian pursuits, provides ample additional opportunity.
“Whether you are seeking a lifestyle change, a place to build your dream home, or an investment opportunity, this property ticks all the boxes,” says Martin.
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