150 years of history awaits if you secure this exquisite villa nestled on a sprawling 4.3728 hectares (more or less) of land. This enchanting home boasts timeless charm, strategically positioned to capture breathtaking rural panoramas. The property is known as Heartland Farm!
The grounds have been farmed organically for about 33 years, and have planted thereon many unique tree specimens, some of which are over 100-year-old. The trees include many heritage breeds, such as a nutting Gingko tree which was sourced from a Monastery and took about 15 years before nutting. Fruit enthusiasts will delight in the presence of various organic fruit trees, including Lousia Plums, and other subtropical varieties. The property’s proximity to Auckland Airport presents an opportunity for a discerning buyer to explore endeavours such as running a stud farm, capitalizing on the area’s robust standardbred horse industry. Other easy options on these very high quality organic volcanic soils, include establishing an organic nursery and/or planting commercial trees.
Situated in the golden triangle of Auckland, Hamilton, and Tauranga, the property is within 41km from Auckland International Airport. Within 3.7 kilometres drive from this property is Pokeno, which offers everyday amenities and schooling options. On the market for the first time in 33 years, the work has been done so don’t delay as this home will be sold on auction day!
The farm which is owned by New Zealand harness racing Hall of Fame inductee, David Phillips, has significant roots connected to the standardbred breeding community in New Zealand. Here are ten points of interest for Harnesslink followers.
1. This pending sale marks a turning point in life of David W Phillips, in prior times the founder of National Bloodstock; and
2. During the National Bloodstock days David made many trips to North America and Europe, pursuing harness racing interests; and
3. These North American trips included David buying and returning to NZ such later successful harness sires as SOKY’S ATOM, NEW YORK MOTORING, BUTLER BG, SANDS A FLYING, ROAD MACHINE AND CHOLA HANOVER; and in NZ Natblood bought and developed TUAPEKA KNIGHT as a successful sire; and
4. These North American trips included David buying and returning to NZ such later successful harness trot mares such as:
- Catherine The Great (Great Getaway, Last Sunset, Real Deal Yankee, Galleons Sunset, Kathy Galleon, Courchevel, Chevron Express, etc);
- Adella Lobell (Speeding Spur, Adella’s Dash, All Cashed Up, etc);
- Becalm Lobell (Sheezadoosie, I Can Doosit, Sno’s Big Boy, Golden Blend, Kyvalley Chief, Lovemeto, etc),
- Working Girl (Miss Whiplash, Yagunnakissmeornot, Kiss And Run);
- Lilly The Pink (Enghien, Pink DIamond, Another Love);
- Super Brenda (Real Force, Our Super Force, Sundon’s Luck, Grey Stoke, Jakka Jack, Jaka Justy, Jen Jakka).
David also bought such successful NZ pacing mares which he and NatBlood repatriated to NZ; such as Tabella Beth (Lazarus, Spirit of St Louie, Self Assured, Star Galleria, Ardiebytheseaside, etc) and Princess Nandina (Twice As Good, etc) and with some very influential USA pacing mare purchases to boot.
As well, David bred Tabella Beth at his then Redvale Farm north of Auckland
These mares have, still today, exercised a profound positive influence on NZ harness racing at the highest levels.
5. The European trips included being NZ representative in Russia, at the the world driving championships, which NZ’s Robert Cameron drove in. David himself driving after the series in a race at the Moscow Hippodrome (David’s most successful harness race drive in NZ, was being behind winner Jawa Boy in a FFA race at Alex Park, when he beat Delightful Lady. Also David drove the same horse Jawa Boy in an Auckland Cup).
This harness trip to Russia began a 26 year close association with David and Russia, and culminates in a main reason Heartland Farm homestead is now for sale—as David has moved his primary home these days to Russia and Abkhazia.
6. David was honored many years back with entry into the NZ Harness Hall of Fame.
7. Actual horses bred or reared or agisted on Heartland Farm include the wonder taproot mare Tabella Beth and some of her successful generational progeny like Spirit And Desire and the last yrs 2 yr winner in Spirit of Anarchy. Sly Flyin (NZ 2 yr old of his year) was also bred and reared here, as was top class trotter Last Sunset. These days only 2 mares still reside at Heartland Farm, under the watchful eyes of farm manager and the long term horse manager.
8. The main homestead now for sale is large and is presently rented and returns funds to cover farm costs. It was built by a Colonel Bathgate in 1871, and is built using long lasting native timbers (Kauri, Totara and Rimu). It has been David’s primary NZ home for about 35 years.
9. Heartland Farm has been operated on a strict organic basis for over 30 years, this being one of David’s other passions.
10. In April 2024 David received the final approval and issuing of 2 new titles on his farm.. This enables the sale of the main road front and homestead site; while David will retain the back block which is today well treed. Over the years David planted about 10,000 trees and bushes on the overall site.
For more information on the property which goes to auction on the 23rd of May,
click here
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