1686 Waimate Highway, Makikihi, Waimate, Canterbury

Peace and serenity ooze from the high-quality renovation of the magnificent St Mary's church, just south of Makikihi. The large open plan kitchen, dining, living area with vast ceilings and cleverly double-glazed stained glass windows, is impressive and comfortable at the same time. The modern kitchen has all the mod cons plus walk-in pantry and bar fridge. A study/office nook and a hobby corner are well situated, and the church altar becomes a special sitting space where you can see the Pacific Ocean and Hunter Hills from your chair, or step outside onto the sunny patio for a reflective evening wine.

Upstairs, the new second storey shows off original timber beams in the hallway and guest bedrooms, one of which also flaunts a large stained glass window which casts amazing light during sunrise. The large master suite is an almost hexagonal room over the alter space below and has a large walk-in wardrobe. Both the ensuite and family bathrooms are well appointed with solar tubes enabling natural lighting.

Outside, one hectare has been covered with a bird-proof windbreak canopy and extends over close to 2000 strawberry plants and 800 blueberry plants. The heroes of the property are the 1300 haskap berry plants the next new superfood with a rich source of vitamins, antioxidants and polyphenols (plant numbers are approximate only).

There's literally so much more here than meets the eye. St Mary's Berries is perfectly positioned and poised to take off.

Plus GST (if any)