What a dream location - a slice of country where you can keep a pony and close enough to town to leave the car and, instead, take the bike for a coffee!

Private and basking in the sun on an elevated 1.7 hectares (4.2 acre) site in the Maitai Valley, this large, private block so close to town is a real find.

Enjoy the cafes and bars yet be home in minutes to the serenity of native bush surrounds, places to explore around the property and a small paddock at the front for the horse. This is heaven for children's adventures.

Home is a superbly comfortable, extremely spacious (212sqm) Lockwood gem with five bedrooms plus office, plus two living areas, elevated for views to the Centre of NZ.

High ceilings emphasise the size of the house, bathed in light from generous glazing and stacker doors to the garden, and five skylights.

The house is big enough for extended families, or for B&B with the owners having hosted many happy travellers including mountain bikers. The house layout gives separate wings for master bedroom and children or guests.

Fully double-glazed with central heating plus a log burner and heat pump, it's a cosy winter home and a summer delight with breezes wafting through. Time then to head off to one of the Maitai's swimming holes just down the road.

With Nelson's prime mountain bike and walking/running trails and dog walks on your doorstep, you are spoiled for outdoor choices.

Keep a horse or two, as the owners have done, while golfers can head to the Waahi Taakaro club up the road.

There's fruit from a small orchard, and opportunities to landscape or develop the land further.

Storage space is excellent, with a variety of large cupboards and the deep, double garage has separate workshop of storage areas at the end.

For a unique town and country lifestyle, you must see this.

For a copy of our comprehensive information booklet or to arrange a private viewing, contact Nina James.