An appealing four-bedroom home, desirably located in park-like grounds on a four-hectare Springlands property four kilometres west of Blenheim stands as a legacy to a late local couple, Sue and Russell Rhodes.
Beyond the property, their legacy also lives on in the lives of the many young people they introduced to and mentored in the love of horses.
Sue, who died in July last year, dedicated her life to training young people to ride. Russell, who pre-deceased Sue, supported her at every turn. Their property, now for sale by Greg Lyons of PGG Wrightson Real Estate, Blenheim and his colleague Joe Blakiston was established around a lifetime’s commitment to equestrian sport, as son Rob Pears explains.
“Mum started with horses when she was younger, living in Picton and Takaka. Then, after she married and moved to Christchurch, she got into German Shepherds. She was one of the founding members of the South Island German Shepherd League. When she and Russell moved to Marlborough, she was able to get back into horses.”
That move from Christchurch to Marlborough was in 1978, and they bought the block that became their home in the mid 80s. Initially it was bare land.
“Russell was at the Christchurch Industries Fair when he spotted a large display shed, which apparently had no purpose once the fair was over. He put in an offer, dismantled the shed, and trucked it to Blenheim where they reassembled it like a Meccano set. That’s where they lived for the next few years, while they set about building their house, which was completed in 1989.
“Jack Broughan, the original owner of their land, was still farming on a neighbouring property. He took Sue and Russell under his wing, guiding them in developing the block and making it work as a farm,” says Rob.
His contribution is still acknowledged in the name the property bears: Jacksfield.
After the house was finished, they built the stables, enabling Sue to introduce many young people to the life she loved.
“She had a real passion for it, and was never happier than when she was out there with the kids. She was always off at pony club events with them, in Nelson, Marlborough, Christchurch or Golden Bay. Over the years they probably had more than 50 kids involved. Different kids were always out there in the paddocks or the stables, learning about horses. Mum judged at horse shows as well, and Russ was always there at her side,” says Rob, whose daughter Sophie, now in her mid 20s, inherited her grandmother’s love of horses.
“Sue bought Sophie her first horse before she was even born, and plonked her on horseback before she could walk. Under Sue’s guidance, Sophie went on to achieve plenty of success in the equestrian ring, as did several other young people that Sue and Russ brought through,” he says.
Their legacy in equestrian circles apart, the Rhodes’ property now stands ready to welcome new owners.
“Privately positioned down a long driveway, this large well-proportioned home offers the perfect blend of space and comfort within easy reach of Blenheim.
“Generous open-plan areas form the heart of the home, incorporating kitchen, dining, and living areas that flow seamlessly together, while a separate lounge provides flexibility for relaxation or entertaining. Ample storage throughout adds to the home’s practical appeal.
“Outside, as well as the large three-bay concrete floor shed, the property has 17 well-fenced paddocks, with stables and tack room in excellent condition, perfectly set up for horses. A viticulture option also presents, with an irrigation water consent in place,” says Greg.
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