Clevelands - Matamata Dairy Farm

This attractive 121ha dairy unit, located in the sought-after Te Poi District, has been farmed by the same family for more than 40 years. Sited on a quiet no-exit road a mere 7km from Matamata, 'Clevelands' is an easy 35 to 45-minute commute over the Kaimai range to Tauranga and Mount Manganui, making for an ideal investment in both land and lifestyle. Land contour, which is predominately flat to easy rolling, and fertile ash soils are complemented by a strong level of farm infrastructure. The farm supplies Fonterra, and is currently milking 300 cows with production levels around 108,000 kg of milk solids from a simple all-grass feeding system. A change in management offers incoming purchasers genuine and immediate production potential, says marketing agent Sam Troughton. Solid improvements over the years make it a brilliant offering. The property is well fenced and subdivided, and easily managed with access via a well-designed race system leading to a centrally located 32-aside cowshed. In close proximity is a full range of sundry buildings offering ample room for calf rearing, workshop duties and storage requirements. Bore water is reticulated around the farm and to troughs in each paddock. Effluent is drained to a lined pond, then sprayed on paddocks from underground lines to a travelling irrigator. There's also a large duck pond surrounded by trees and fitted out with three maimai, that comes into its own come duck hunting season. Clevelands hosts two quality homes. The main four-bedroom brick homestead is nestled within manicured grounds, featuring mature specimen trees and a swimming pool. Supporting the homestead is a four-bedroom weatherboard house that has been recently been fully renovated. The dwellings offer a high standard of accommodation for both property owners and staff. Apart from three years, Clevelands has been farmed continuously by two families, which means it has many facets of history woven into its 121ha and 98 years of occupancy. It first owner, returned WW1 soldier J E Davidson, took on the scrub-covered land as a Soldiers Settlement farm. He and his family lived in a shed until their home was built, and that shed still exists, lined with packing cases that were shipped from England in 1919. They named the property Clevelands after the bride's home in England. She brought with her in her handbag an acorn from Hyde Park in London, and the oak tree that grew from it still shelters the property. They also planted four London plane trees which still survive along the driveway. They spread above hundreds of bluebells, which are a breathtakingly feature in the spring.