Historic farm a private paradise
A FARM in a remote part of the Marlborough Sounds is on the market for the first time in 152 years.
Taradale, in Kenepuru Sound, has been in the McMahon family since their pioneer ancestor set up the farm.
Taradale holds 808ha across seven titles with 4km of water frontage.
Located in the outer reaches of the sound, it is extremely private with no neighbours along the whole bay.
The property has road access, 70km from Picton, 65km from Havelock, and around two hours’ drive from Blenheim.
Two houses have been built on the land, a three-bedroom farmhouse and a separate three-bedroom cottage.
Another site, potentially commanding great views over the Sounds, has been found for another house if the buyer was interested in building.
The whole property has a rateable value of $2.6 million.
Taradale was founded by Patrick McMahon, the first European to settle in the Kenepuru area. He was from Castle Blayney in County Monaghan, Ireland, and arrived in New Zealand in the late 1850s.
McMahon and wife Mary Blaymires raised 10 children in the remote Sound.
The farm was inherited by their son Gilbert and is currently occupied and farmed by Gilbert’s grandson and his wife Marama.
Agent John Hoare of Bayleys Marlborough said the farm had about 1200 sheep and cattle.
Under a new farmer it could stock more, he said.
There was also 271ha of regenerating native bush and a small
Colin ‘‘hobby’’ vineyard which could be expanded. Forestry planting was also an option in some areas.
‘‘There is also an existing mussel farming operation in this bay which a future owner may wish to pursue and consolidate into the property,’’ Hoare said.
‘‘Opportunities
for
deer
and
pig hunting, boating and fishing, keeping horses and other livestock make this property a standout.’’
Kenepuru Sound received around 1800mm of rainfall a year, with an ‘‘excellent’’ domestic and agricultural water supply, Hoare said.
It is available for sale by negotiation through Bayleys Marlborough.