From grazing, to dairy farm, to kiwifruit orchard, to beautiful grounds for one home - 'Bernadene' has evolved with the times. There is evidence of property ownership dating back to 1856, trees on the property to 1892. Click here to view the property information.

'Bernadene' sports one of the oldest Macrocarpa (Cupressus macrocarpa) in the country planted in about 1892 by Gordon Cummings who owned several hundred acres here. The mighty macrocarpa growing at 'Bernadene' is not only the tallest in the southern hemisphere in fact, but far taller than the species grows in its natural habitat on the rocky headlands of Monterey Peninsula in California.
Many large macrocarpa were planted in the Tauranga district, mainly before 1900, either as specimens or shelter belts.

Previously 'Bernadene' was a 27 hectare dairy farm - a model farm in fact. Mr B J Farrelly had his jersey herd enjoy music in the milking shed (noted to improve milk production), and had their surroundings enhanced by hanging plants. 'Bernadene' is named after the Bernard Farrelly family.

Mr Bernard Farrelly divided the farm into four blocks, keeping one for himself which he later developed into an orchard. Then came the 1980s kiwifruit boom. Soon Tauranga's rapid encroachment on Bethlehem meant the land had more value as residential sections and all but five acres was sold off for subdivision.

The five acres was bought by an English couple who built a home at the back for their daughter and retained the elevated park like piece, now two and a half acres (or one hectare) for themselves. Kauri from the turn-of-the-century original cottage was incorporated into their new home. Though the home has been upgraded and updated the timber still gleams in kitchen cabinetry, benches and balustrades. The steps down to the conservatory in the current home mark the front of the original settlers' cottage.

Future owners of this property will feel a genuine empathy with its history and find their appreciation enhanced by the pleasure and responsibility of continuing a legacy.

Click here to view the property.

Source: www.bayleys.co.nz