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‘Time to step back from the tools’: Chef Michael Van de Elzen quitting ‘hospo’; selling up
Celebrity chef couple selling their amazing 'good food' lifestyle farm.
9 March 2026
AI summary
Celebrity chef Michael Van de Elzen and his wife Belinda are retiring from the hospitality industry and selling their Muriwai lifestyle property. After 40 years, they are stepping back to "take things a lot easier."
The 5.24ha estate features a renovated villa and a commercial pavilion housing the Good From Scratch Cookery School, licensed for events. While they are selling the business, Van de Elzen will continue hosting Eat Well for Less and plans a new food-related project.
Michael and Belinda Van de Elzen are selling their 5.24ha property with villa and purpose-built cookery school pavilion at Muriwai Beach.
The pavilion is set apart from the homestead, and can accommodate up to 80 guests.
There’s a delightful rustic ambience that’s in keeping with the country location.
‘There’s more to come’
There is plenty of scope for another entrepreneur to take the reins.
‘We’ve been through thick and thin’
With verandas and decks surrounding much of the house, most of the family entertaining happens outdoors.
A pizza oven and barbecue are part of the covered outdoor “kitchen” at one end of the large deck.
A key concession for the chef’s kitchen is a 90cm gas cooktop.
Polished floorboards feature in the living room.
The property is within easy reach of Muriwai Beach.
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