Richmond is a truly exquisite country estate. Close your eyes for a second, open them and pinch yourself. No you are not in Italy - or looking at a glorious renaissance garden on the continent or in France - you are in the Wairarapa, a little over an hours drive from Wellington. Here is one of the country's five proclaimed Gardens of International Significance, an easy stroll to town, cafes, school buses and rail. It is extraordinary, both as a restored historic home and a reinterpretation of European garden formality.

It is a marvelous testament to the design and restoration of the current owners who purchased the property in 1993. The house and garden do, however have their roots in Europe. Carterton's first town clerk, Henry (Heinrich) Wolters of Braunschweig in Germany, built the classic villa in 1887. With the guidance of a Conservation Architect, Chris Cochrane the property is faultless.

Richmond is now its owners 'own paradise' a place of tranquillity and peace. It's a place of presence, personality and privacy. The main house together with the guest house is north facing. The view is magnificent across the formal garden from the balconies of the residence. The focal point is the bronze fountain, a reproduction of a classical Spanish fountain at the end of the 50 meter long reflecting pool, reflecting the house and sky.

The south side of the garden is intimate, offering diverse and sometimes quirky views from different rooms of the house. The family room views the reflecting pool and fountain out front; the living room looks on to the immaculately clipped chevron garden; from the kitchen you see the topiary 'birds'; the dining room looks out at buxus 'clouds'. The topiary garden has teddy bears playing ball and the veggie garden a feeling of self sufficiency.

Richmond has special memories for the entire family - it is the perfect place to raise a family and entertain. Three separate balconies to choose from, an in ground swimming pool, sealed fenced tennis court, stables, tack room and horse arena. The massive historic barn is believed to be built of totara felled from the site. Mature trees will provide firewood for years to come. The home is heated by diesel fired radiators and the quaint open fires a mood creator for each room. No expense has been speared and quality oozes in all areas. Exquisite native timbers flow throughout this magnificent home including the sun drenched family room and magical tower.

The fully self contained two bedroom guest house, built totally in keeping with the main house, is full of charm and carefully appointed.

This property is an absolute treasure and a grand investment, considered to be one of the best anywhere in Australasia. This property lends itself for family or a lifestyle business.