Family Uphof, your hosts
Lisa (New Zealand born) and Anthony (South African born) Uphof are the property owners and reside here with their 2 daughters Mirabella and Gabriella.
The Uphofs met in Spain, married in Italy and after many years living and working in Europe having being involved in the superyacht industry, they chose to return to New Zealand and find a place to call home. The beaches, weather, scenery, peace and small friendly community of Waipu captured their interest in 2005 and after a long search for the perfect home for their family, they have settled here to create the Black Sheep Farm.
Getting straight to work after moving into the property, the sheep were purchased, paddocks restored for small scale farming, the vege gardens were sculptured and planted, the chickens arrived, trees were planted and plans to improve the property for a more environmental lifestyle were implemented.
More recently the guest accommodation has been refurbished to a high standard and the Uphofs passion for the Homestead and grounds have restored the property to a level deserving of the property.
The focus at this farm is to live as closely as possible from the land by growing a wide variety of produce. The gardens provide the home with fresh produce year round, home grown lamb and locally farmed beef. The kitchen is an important part of this home with fresh produce being bottled for year round use and fresh bread, cookies and cakes and muesli regularly coming out of the oven other gourmet delicacies being produced here too.
The family wing is separate from the guests' accommodation to ensure peace and quiet for guests. While guests are welcome to engage with the family and learn about life on a small farm, there are many quiet private places to spend your time if preferred.
Although the farm is not registered organic, the Uphofs follow the principles of permaculture and do not use any artificial fertilisers, pesticides or sprays. The property has a strong enviromental policy where everything possible is recycled/composted, water is collected and used conservatively, electricity saving is in place and trees are being planted for future firewood, all cleaning products are chemical free, and the food miles are kept to a minimum by growing on the property and buying goods produced as locally as possible.
The Uphofs try to keep a small carbon footprint, and tread lightly on the earth and enjoy taking time to pause from their busy lives to engage with their guests, share stories over a glass of wine and welcome you into their slice of paradise in Aotearoa.