A livestock representative evaluating cattle on a client’s run-off block in 2008, and remarking on some of Hawke’s Bay’s best views, became the pivotal moment that led to a 17-year tenure in an idyllic made-to-order family home.
Jamie Molloy was the livestock representative, and the property was at Maraekakaho, west of Hastings.
“I went up to look at cattle in the paddock and thought ‘What a great view.’ Along the river, across Hawke’s Bay, through to the ranges. I could see the potential and managed to persuade the farmer that carving off a couple of hectares was a good idea for both of us,” he says.
Jamie and his wife Lara built the five-bedroom home overlooking the Ngaruroro River, moving in with their four primary school age children in 2009.
“It was a windy spot, and before we could do anything else we had to develop a building platform at the top of the hill, which was an earthmoving mission. There was a steep gravel track more than one kilometre from the main road, accessible only by four-wheel drive, with no other houses up here at that point. Now it’s a nice, sealed driveway.
Maraekakaho proved ideal for bringing up their children, and the site of many great times and special family memories. However, since the next generation of Molloys have now all left home, Jamie and Lara decided to sell. In mid-2025 they brought in Fiona Harper of PGG Wrightson Real Estate, Hastings to discuss a strategy to market the property.
“We knew that timing would be important for a lifestyle property of this quality, so waited to enter the market, mindful of competing listings, the time of year, and the importance of doing everything correctly. We needed to ensure the home was showcased in its best light,” says Fiona.
Her contacts helped to profile the property.
“Before I take any property to market, I introduce it directly to my network of PGG Wrightson and Fruitfed Horticulture staff. Every white vehicle you see on the road with our branding is driven by one of these contacts, actively working for the marketing campaign, even before that listing goes onto the traditional property portals. This network ensures that any vendor who entrusts a property to me will reach lifestyle buyers,” says Fiona.
Using geo-targeting, the campaign sought out active buyers. While they remain selective in the slower Hawke’s Bay lifestyle market, after a couple of months that approach worked.
“A handful of prospective purchasers viewed the property throughout the campaign, leading to a multiple offer situation. In the end, through another agent connection, we found motivated buyers for Jamie and Lara and sold their excellent property,” says Fiona.
While still active, she reckons buyers in the Hawke’s Bay lifestyle market are selective and moving at a slower pace.
“Sales in this price bracket have been limited recently. I am extremely proud that Jamie and Lara’s property was one of a small handful of successful premium local lifestyle sales,” she says.
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