John and Joy Laughton farmed in Waipahi, South Otago for 33 years, then leased their farm when John established a rural contracting business in Tapanui, West Otago.
In 2008 they moved to Alexandra, where both their daughters live. Now they are ready to move again and brought in Mike Direen of PGG Wrightson Real Estate, Alexandra to market their four bedroom 2.02 hectare property.
John says all he wanted when they bought the property was enough space to build a big shed. As Mike explains, that is only one of its many features.
“This is one of the Alexandra basin’s finest lifestyle blocks: a spectacular entertainer’s home in the perfect location,” says Mike.
John has enjoyed the easy access to outdoor recreation.
“When we were thinking about retiring, we always fancied Central. Alex is the right spot, and not too busy.
“Central Otago is central. From here it is easy to tow the boat to either Kakanui or Haast, east or west, not to mention all around Fiordland and Stewart Island. We have been able to make the most of that, which has been a great pleasure,” he says.
Plenty of recreational hunting, particularly for deer and pigs, has also been close to hand to keep John busy.
John and Joy have six grandchildren, aged between five and 13, and have plenty of room for them to sleep over. Quality time by the pool is a big attraction, and the couple also enjoy their vege garden.
“You might as well fill up your garden, and I like to see how many different things I can grow. You can grow most things here, though you should hold off planting anything frost prone until November, and make sure you harvest it by March. So long as you stick to that, there’s not much you can’t grow in Central,” says John.
Mike Direen says the property offers a complete lifestyle package.
“Architecturally designed, the 396 square metre 15 year old home is centred around the kitchen, from which a large dining and two living areas spin off, establishing flow into a generous atrium and the master bedroom. From there you go outside to the beautifully landscaped and private patio, including the sizeable in-ground swimming pool, two pergolas, one with a spa, the other a bar, and a third pergola complete with automatic roof, for outdoor living and dining.
“Heating is by diesel fired radiators, plus a Woodsman log burner in the main living area, under floor heating in the en-suite, and an HRV system throughout, along with 42 solar panels, which halves the power account.
“As noted, the 18 x 12 metre two roller door Alpine shed is a feature, and would suit a work-from-home business. Well-designed and immaculately maintained, the vegetable garden, plus tunnel house, has the benefit of an automatic irrigation system, while the paddocks are irrigated with k-line, providing ample scope to run a few livestock,” says Mike.
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