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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 hospitality after 40 years, selling their Muriwai lifestyle property. The 5.24ha estate features their family home and a purpose-built commercial pavilion.
This pavilion houses the renowned Good From Scratch Cookery School and is licensed for up to 104 events annually. While stepping back, the couple plans to remain in Muriwai for a new food project, and Van de Elzen will continue filming Eat Well for Less.
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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