Six years on, Jafa has hectic Hunterville life

From the rush and bustle of Auckland to the rush and bustle of Hunterville – Yeh right!

Sandy Beaman and her husband Bryon swapped the hysteria of Auckland for the supposedly quiet life of rural Hunterville.

They bought the old Station Hotel, built in 1885.

And were thrown into the hectic life of running a hotel and country pub.

Renovation was required. Scrim walls and wooden floorboards upstairs have gone, and upmarket accommodation is in place. This took lots of patience. Mrs Beaman's expertise with decor helped.

Downstairs, the kitchen was reworked into a friendly room where guests can have breakfast or make a hot drink.

Two old storage rooms were turned into a commercial kitchen. The main dining room now leads through to a television lounge.

Rimu panelling was pulled off the walls for fire proofing, then used on the main bar for an elegant natural wood look. Above the bar is an old station sign.

The old hotel has come to life, and now has a well-tended garden with a lawn capable of holding a large marquee – an ideal wedding venue.

Mrs Beaman said the couple had been looking for a business in the country near Auckland. Then the Station Hotel stole them away – with rotten piles, rotten joists and cows grazing outside the window.

"But we realised the potential," Mrs Beaman said.

As manager of a textile import company, interior design was her trade, and travel around New Zealand with frequent trips overseas were part of her life.

Now it is hard for the couple to get time off together.

"But I don't have to wear make up or have a full hair-do to work."

Life is great – the garden is elegant with a white theme, with Margaret Merrill roses, Japanese Anemones, white lilies, white wisteria, and backed by young Magnolia grandiflora. It is all planned to mix with brides' and bridesmaids' outfits – no matter what colour.

"We are very social people. And since we moved here we have boosted the population. My parents have moved here, my sister has moved to Marton and my daughter is back from overseas and married and they have three children."

Six years on, social life in Hunterville might be different from Auckland, but it is every bit as busy and enjoyable.

Friends come from Auckland, a number of overseas guests stay, and golf parties frequently arrive for the weekend to play at Rangitira Golf course.

She finds time for tennis each week and also supports local women's groups.

Meanwhile, Mr Beaman has become involved in Hunterville rugby.

- Central Districts Farmer