Peter Eastwood, a Kiwi with a passion for conservation and protecting wildlife now spends much of his time in South Africa, where his Tanglewood Foundation funds various projects and initiatives in the field.
As a result, he has put Bramasole, a unique Waimauku property, designed by Herbst Architects, up for sale by tender, closing June 16. According to OneRoof data, the property last changed hands in 2009 for $900,000 and has a 2021 rating valuation of $3.65 million.
Nicole Calis, of Barfoot & Thompson’s Kumeu branch who is marketing the property, says that interest in the property has been substantial.
Eastwood remembers the initial stages of bringing the 215sqm dream home for his family and beloved horses to life and says that Lance and Nicola Herbst were a pleasure to work with.
Start your property search
He gave the couple a long list of features he wanted included in a dwelling that had a permanent bach-like feel and says that the only extra guidance they needed was when it came to the wine cellar.
Bramasole comprises the award-winning house, three sheds, winery, paddocks, two dwellings and many more features. Photo / Supplied
“I looked at the design, with the narrow little room under the floor and asked where was I supposed to sit! Once they understood that my idea of a wine cellar was more along the lines of a speakeasy, it was all good.
“Every dinner party should end with a nice port and an occasional cigar, and I would have to say that this has been my very favourite part of the property.
“Many evenings I’ve gone down there – often with my adult kids – with no cell-phone coverage, and only emerged as the sun comes up, after a great night, with fun conversation.”
Elsewhere in the main home – Bramasole designed by Herbst Architects Ltd won an NZIA award in 2016 in the Auckland Architecture Awards housing category – lie four bedrooms and three bathrooms along with extensive outdoor and semi-outdoor living spaces.
Designed by Herbst Architects, the main home has four bedrooms, three bathrooms and a double garage. Photo / Supplied
While the Rodney build exceeded the original budget, the homeowner decided not to cut corners - and is pleased he didn't. Photo / Supplied
The build exceeded Eastwood’s initial budget after he decided not to cut corners and he’s pleased about this now, saying that every element of the property is as good as it can possibly be, with wooden joinery throughout contributing to a warm, relaxed vibe.
He says that the builders constructing the home were true artisans and included his own son, who was able to learn wood-working skills from the experts.
Along with the house itself are three sheds, a stable complex, a tack room, two yards and an arena, plus a plentiful water supply. In addition, there’s also a winery and grapevines, an orchard with many varieties of fruit and two separate dwellings, one of which is a quirky cob cottage. These were used as accommodation for Peter’s daughter Stacey’s retreat business.
This is one of two smaller dwellings on Bramasole that provide accommodation on the property. Photo / Supplied
He happened to be in New Zealand when the first Covid-19 lockdown was imposed in early 2020 and found himself taking in a number of overseas visitors who’d been trapped in New Zealand when the borders closed.
“It was such a magical property to be locked down in because there was room for everybody and plenty to do!”
Agent Calis says each viewing of the property takes an hour “because there’s so much to see so I’m practically living there.”
She says that the 7.93ha property’s versatility is appealing, and the equestrian features and areas could be used in other ways.
A neighbouring property of 62ha is also being offered by tender, so there’s potential for a new owner to enjoy a substantial rural landholding.
