The old west rides into New Zealand

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The old west rides into New Zealand
Image Supplied - Bayleys

A wild west town in the heart of New Zealand is set amid more than 1000 acres of unspoiled Kiwi wilderness.

Mellonsfolly Ranch is located on the Central Plateau of the North Island, about 380 kilometres south of Auckland and 120 kilometres north of Whanganui.

The themed accommodation property is home to a meticulously crafted replica of an 1890s American frontier town which is blended with modern-day luxury.

Like the script of a fantasy movie, new owners will take possession of their own wild west town that caters for up to 27 guests and comes complete with a licensed saloon, a courthouse that doubles as a movie theatre, a sheriff''s office, a general store and a hotel, with billiards saloon.

Image Supplied - Bayleys
Image Supplied - Bayleys

Completed in 2006, Mellonsfolly was created by businessman John Bedogni, former co-owner of Auckland company Metropolitan Glass, and a man with a fascination for the American west.

He and his wife Kenda spent four years and about $NZ10million bringing their vision to life, filling the town with material that they had put together on trips to the US.

Whanganui businessman Rob Bartley then bought the property in 2012.

It was previously run as a boutique accommodation venue for private functions and corporate events, with guests invited to dress up in full western regalia and immerse themselves in all things western.

Image Supplied - Bayleys
Image Supplied - Bayleys

Bartley's son John, a real estate agent for Bayleys, said the family had decided to sell the village and the 404 hectares it sits on.

Mr Bartley said every guest room at the property was themed in the character of old western movies. As well as the accommodation for 27 guests in the town there are three separate homes on the property which are ideal for staff or overflow accommodation.

Image Supplied - Bayleys
Image Supplied - Bayleys

“The craftmanship and authentic decor of the town's 10 themed buildings will certainly impress,” Mr Bartley said. “The buildings are authentic from the period, built with great detail from that time, but with all the modern conveniences for guests including WiFi.

“The commercial kitchen and laundry make catering and housekeeping easy for hosting groups. There's a full list of chattels including western memorabilia and equipment including a chuck wagon, cannon, clay bird shooting machine and tee pees to enhance the western experience.”

Image Supplied - Bayleys
Image Supplied - Bayleys

The Central Plateau is one of New Zealand’s newest year-round playgrounds offering snow sports at neighbouring Mt Ruapehu along with hunting, fishing, horse-trekking, mountain biking, and swimming in the magnificent rivers that wind their way through the stunning valleys.

Mr Bartley said the property offered a private haven for new owners or a unique tourism venture.

“It’s a once-in-a-lifetime chance to own something very special,” he said.

The property also produces additional income from Manuka honey, with more than 400 hives onsite.

While he is inviting expressions of interest for the property, Mr Bartley said he was looking for offers in the $NZ8.5 million range.

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