Top of the world

Capturing a bird's eye view of the city and district, this family sanctuary delivers an all-encompassing sense of peace and tranquillity. Backdropped by Pirongia Forest Park, the 1.78ha Te Pahu property is a secluded haven in tune with nature. Located at the top end of Arthur Road, the four bedroom Lethborg-built brick home sits above the fog line and in a private panoramic world of its own. To the east is Mt Te Aroha, Te Uku Wind Farm and the Raglan hills lie to the west, while ahead is Hamilton city with Hakarimata Ranges in the distance. Relaxed indoor-outdoor living areas optimise the outlook.

The custom-built kitchen has a wall oven, gas hob, newish Bosch dishwasher and instant hot water. Evening dining frames a spectacular scene of city lights and twinkling stars. Living and master bedroom flow out to extensive decking, a barbecue zone and spa pool, which remains. A wisteria-draped pergola provides shade for summer living and lets the sun through in winter when it's needed.

The family bathroom has been refreshed and an ensuite serves the picturesque master, which has a walk-in robe. Both bathrooms have temperature-controlled gas hot water. The laundry is separate, and both home and internal double garage contain ample storage. A logburner creates a warm toasty environment. The property grows its own firewood.

Outbuildings and facilities include sheds, a fish fillet station, hay barn, chook run and two large rain water tanks. Rural ambience is further enhanced by three paddocks, an established veggie bed, an orchard and a stand of native bush, which provides an adventure playground for children. Bird life proliferates. Species include tui, kereru, fantails, kingfishers, swallows, bellbirds and karearea, or New Zealand falcon.

Neighbourly Arthur Road is close to Te Pahu village, which boasts a pre-school, a primary school to year 8, and active community life. School buses to Hamilton and Te Awamutu service the area of Te Pahu, which is equidistant to both Hamilton and Te Awamutu, approximately