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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 Bee are retiring from hospitality and selling their Muriwai lifestyle property. After 40 years in the industry, the couple is stepping back from their renowned Good From Scratch Cookery School.
The 5.24ha estate features a renovated family villa and a purpose-built commercial pavilion licensed for events. It offers a complete farm-to-plate operation with extensive gardens, an orchard, and paddocks. The Van de Elzens plan to remain in Muriwai for a new food-related project.
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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