Television chef Michael Van de Elzen has sold his 5.2-hectare lifestyle property in Muriwai, West Auckland, to an overseas couple, marking the end of a significant chapter for the chef and his family. The sale, finalized at the end of September, follows more than a decade of development and stewardship by Van de Elzen and his wife Belinda, who transformed the farm into a paddock-to-plate destination and culinary school.

Van de Elzen, known for hosting the cooking shows Eat Well For Less and The Food Truck, and his wife listed the property earlier this year, citing their desire to step back from the hospitality business after 40 years. The couple indicated that the decision to sell was influenced by multiple factors, including Van de Elzen's health struggles—he battled throat cancer in 2019—the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on his cooking school, and the damage sustained during Cyclone Gabrielle in 2023.

The farm, located on Taiapa Road, has an official rating value close to NZ$2.385 million and previously sold in 2015 for NZ$1.3 million. The buyers, who are American, reportedly purchased the property as an addition to another sizeable local farm. Van de Elzen noted the property’s existing consents and picturesque setting likely contributed to its appeal.

While the Van de Elzens plan to hand over the property in early February 2024, they will retain ownership of their Good from Scratch cooking school. The family is currently fulfilling pre-booked events through the Christmas period, with the final function scheduled for December 23.

Looking ahead, Van de Elzen and his wife intend to enjoy a quieter lifestyle, spending more time at their small residence in Taupō. He recently acquired a boat, and both he and Belinda are easing back from their previous commitments. Despite selling the farm, the couple intends to remain in the Muriwai area to stay close to their children’s schools, though retiring in Taupō remains a possibility.

Real estate agents involved in the sale praised the family’s dedication to the farm, highlighting the meticulous care invested over the years. Van de Elzen reflected on memorable moments at the property, including significant family celebrations and challenging events, such as narrowly avoiding a distressing incident during a children’s cookery class involving the home butchery of a cow, as well as the loss of the family’s pet sheep, Pop Pops, during Cyclone Gabrielle.

Van de Elzen continues to be active on television alongside restaurateur Ganesh Raj, addressing issues of food education and budgeting on Eat Well For Less. He has spoken openly about the challenges facing many New Zealand households in terms of limited culinary skills, food wastage, and reliance on fast food options.

As the couple transitions away from a decade of hospitality on the Muriwai property, Van de Elzen emphasized their satisfaction with the sale and their readiness to embrace new opportunities and spend more quality time with their family.