Moving from Maungatapere to Matakohe in September 2019, Duncan and Jacqui Findlay’s new home had an interesting history: it was originally the Ararua Primary School.
“This site was a school from way back. At its peak it had 38 pupils, and in 1964 two separate smart new classrooms were built, replacing the original school buildings.
“It was built to high standards, ‘old school’ you might say, with beautiful native wooden floors, insulation, wooden joinery and a north facing aspect perfectly aligned to make the most of the summer and winter sun,” says Duncan.
However, by 1996 the roll had dwindled, and the community decided to close the school, which was sold into private ownership and converted to a dwelling.
One classroom, originally for the senior class, has become an open plan living area with lounge, kitchen, dining room and log burner. This is attached to the old staff room, which is now the master bedroom with a walk-in robe and ensuite. Previously accommodating the junior class, the other classroom was converted to a spacious second lounge, with another log burner and two more bedrooms. What was once one of the school ablution blocks is now a large family bathroom and laundry, while the other block was converted into a bedroom and separate office, ideal for working from home. Ample decking was added, plus a double garage, carport and workshop. Solar panels are a more recent addition.
“I’ve worked as a property manager, so could see that this is expertly built. As well as being attracted to the quirky nature of living in a former school, we love the rural views and the sunshine. It was an opportunity to live the good life in a property that came at such a reasonable price,” says Duncan.
On a good day, within 40 minutes of leaving home Duncan can have fish in his chilly bin, on the boat at his favourite Pahi fishing spot, catching snapper in shallow water. Dargaville is 45 kilometres away, Mangawhai 49, Whangarei 59 kilometres and Auckland Airport 165. Closer to home, the property is eight kilometres north of Matakohe.
Having decided to sell, Duncan and Jacqui have put the 1.6-hectare property in the hands of Erin and Ron Grbin of PGG Wrightson Real Estate, Dargaville. Erin says it offers an original take on rural living.
“With ample room for extended family and perfect spaces for entertaining, this unique and interesting property has so much to offer. While Duncan and Jacqui have it set up to suit themselves, a new owner will have plenty of scope to put their own mark on it,” she says.
On flat land, subdivided into four paddocks, Duncan and Jacqui run a handful of sheep on the property, which also has a vegetable garden and a small orchard, plus a saltwater swimming pool and tennis court dating from its past era as a school.
Having fitted comfortably into the vibrant, welcoming community over the past six years, Duncan says he and Jacqui plan to stay local, taking with them a cherished memory the property has provided for the whole family.
“During the Covid lockdown, our daughter and three teenage grandchildren lived with us. It was ideal, a perfect situation: they had one of the classrooms and we had the other, one wing for us, one for them. It showed how well this property works for inter-generational family life,” says Duncan.
The property is offered for sale at $760,000.
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