1022 No 2 Line, Fordell, Whanganui, Manawatu / Whanganui

Jude & Jeff Sims are delighted to bring to the market 1022 No 2 Line, Fordell.

Set down a sweeping tree-lined drive, beyond manicured lawns and gardens designed for unhurried summer strolls, stands a home that has been loved for more than 150 years. Built in 1867 by early Whanganui settler William Young, Fernielea is more than a homestead – it is a legacy.

Steeped in Rustic Gothic character, this two-storeyed residence greets you with gabled dormer windows, ornate fireplaces, timber floors, and a wide covered porch gazing out over formal gardens. It whispers of another era while offering every comfort of modern family living.

Inside, the home unfolds with a series of both formal and informal spaces offering the ultimate in flexible living options. With two family bathrooms, a separate guest toilet and six bedrooms, this majestic homestead offers space, tranquility and room to relax.

The jewel of the residence is the expansive open-plan kitchen, dining, and living area – a sympathetic addition in the early 2000s – where walls of glass opening on to the large deck, frame sweeping views across the rolling countryside towards the neighbour's lake.

The layout adapts to many lifestyles. Downstairs, two bedrooms with their own bathroom and external access create the ideal guest retreat or semi-independent living. Upstairs, four further bedrooms include a master suite with sunroom and office. From here, dormer windows look out across the gardens – a view that has inspired generations. Additionally, there is a double garage with attached studio offering flexible lifestyle uses.

Step outside and the romance of the estate deepens: a grass tennis court invites summer matches, while pathways wind through shaded groves and sunny lawns. A wide verandah catches the breeze, the perfect stage for evening drinks as the day fades over the grounds.

Fernielea has always been a home for gathering. From 19th-century garden parties to modern family celebrations, it has been the backdrop for stories, laughter, and history in the making. Now, this remarkable homestead is ready to begin its next chapter.

Viewing is strictly by appointment only.

Disclaimer: *Property information sourced from Valocity, REINZ, and WDC (unverified).