IS THIS THE REAL LIFE? A BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY
PUHOI 121 Krippner Road 3 2 3
The Straka family name has been prominent in Puhoi, north of Auckland, ever since patriarch Paul Straka arrived in the district from Bohemia on June 29, 1863, an anniversary still marked by the local community each year.
Over time Paul acquired 40ha of land, much of it lush with kauri trees which were milled for timber around the turn of the 20th century.
It was about that time that the house pictured here was built from that timber by one of Paul’s sons, Charles, who named it ‘Oakdale.’
The house has remained in the Straka family ever since. These days it and the 150ha farm surrounding it is owned by Charles’ grandson Peter Straka and his wife Ineke. The farm is in five titles and has 13 paddocks.
Peter and Ineke gave the house a major makeover in 2000, including new plumbing, new electrical work, insulation
“It’s a oncein-a-lifetime opportunity for somebody who will love it exactly as it is right now or see its enormous potential.”
in the ceiling, walls and underfloor, and a three-car garage.
A Waterford Stanley stove with wetback keeps the house warm in winter. “There was practically nothing left untouched,” says Peter.
The three-bedroom house has the typically tall ceilings of its era and its original features, such as clawfoot baths, fireplaces, fretwork and leadlight windows, have been retained.
The kitchen is adjacent to the family living and dining room, while the formal lounge and dining room is classically elegant.
Extra spaces such as a converted loft and a sleepout make it perfect for family living.
The decision to sell the property has left Peter and Ineke with mixed feelings.
“We’ll really miss the fact that it’s so private, yet within an easy drive or even walking distance of Puhoi village, and also aspects like the orchard and the beautiful gardens in general,” he says.
He and Ineke intend to remain living locally, just on a much smaller scale.
Country property specialist John Barnett says he’s often admired the house and is proud to be marketing it.
“It’s a genuine once-in-alifetime opportunity for somebody who will love it e as it is right now, or see its potential in terms of further development.”
He says that all the manuka on the property makes honey production an interesting possibility too.
“Above all it’s a dream place to bring up children. The surge of adrenalin when you soar through the enormous old kauri trees on the 200m flying fox is something which cannot be beaten.”
Sale: Tender closes February 20
Contact: John Barnett, Bayleys, 021 790 393