A sprawling North Auckland rural property that has been in the same farming family for well over a century has gone up for sale with diverse agricultural and lifestyle possibilities.

Scott Farm in the Rodney locality of Waitoki has been owned and farmed by the Scott family, among the area’s earliest farmers, since the late 1800s.

Nestled inland from the populous Hibiscus Coast, the picturesque property spans more than 212 hectares across nine titles. The land ranges from flat and easy rolling farmland to steeper country with native bush and occasional deer sightings.

The former dairy farm is today primarily used for maize cropping and cattle grazing. It contains various substantial buildings and other farm infrastructure along with three dwellings.

Bayleys salespeople marketing the property also see significant possibilities to be explored for lifestyle development and/or potential subdivision, subject to any necessary planning approvals.

A sizeable portion of land bordering Waitoki village offers particular promise for lifestyle opportunities. With an estimated population of around 1,700, the village and surrounds have a peaceful rural appeal yet lie just minutes from the Northern Motorway and busy Silverdale.

With the family owners now pursuing new farming opportunities outside the region, Scott Farm, Waitoki, is on the market for the first time in over 150 years. It is being offered for sale by way a tender closing on Wednesday 24 April, through Rene Geertshuis, Graeme Perigo and Travis Morgan of Bayleys Real Estate.

Geertshuis said the nine titles for sale with addresses on Waitoki and Rapson Access roads ranged from around five hectares to 56 hectares and spanned varied topography.

“The southern side of the farm features flat and gently rolling land. Crossing the Waitoki Stream reveals a transformation with the land ascending into rolling hills at the northern end, with native bush and the odd sighting of wild fallow deer.

“This historical farm beckons new owners not only to build on time-honoured agricultural pursuits but is also positioned attractively towards lifestyle development. A key advantage is the location, which offers access to quality schools and places the farm within a 10-minute drive of a motorway on-ramp, opening up convenient connections across the region and beyond,” Geertshuis said.

The largest title, at 260 Waitoki Road, is home to substantial farm infrastructure including a large implement workshop and wintering barn, spanning some 3,400 square metres.

The nearly 44-hectare block at 289 Waitoki Road benefits from dual access from Waitoki and Pebble Brook roads, while over 30 hectares of land at 26 Rapson Access Road extends into Waitoki Village.

The entire property forms part of the Rural Production zone under Auckland’s unitary plan.

Perigo said this provided for various farming and rural business uses, including industries and commercial activities that support rural production. Primary produce manufacturing and sales facilities and the likes of greenhouses are listed as permitted activities.

“Rodney is home to a notable hub of rural activities. Horticulture, fruit growing, and dairying, as well as forestry and logging, are significant economic contributors, reflecting the rural nature of much of the area. It is also increasingly popular among people seeking a rural lifestyle within easy reach of urban areas.

“This location has ready access to all the amenities, entertainment and opportunities of the big city – meaning those who live here can truly enjoy the best of both worlds,” said Perigo.

Morgan said rapid growth in the local population would drive future demand for land, underpinning an investment in property in the area.

“Currently one of Auckland’s least populous local board areas, Rodney’s estimated population of around 70,000 is forecast to swell to over 100,000 by 2038.

“Rodney’s population growth of 21 percent in the five years to the 2018 census was nearly double the regional average, making it the second fastest growing local board area.

“The unique blend of historical significance, diverse land use, and strategic location makes Scott Farm an unparalleled opportunity for those looking to invest in a piece of North Auckland's rural heritage while embracing the potential for future growth and development,” Morgan said.

Click here for more information on the listing.