The award-winning home of New Zealand wine pioneer Neil McCallum and his wife has been placed on the market for sale.

Set amongst four hectares just outside of the internationally recognised wine village of Martinborough in the Wairarapa, the property has been recognised for its distinctive ‘barrel vaulting’ design, and its ability to withstand a one in every 650-year 7.8 magnitude earthquake.

Neil and his wife Dawn founded Dry River Wines - one of New Zealand’s top wine producers - in 1979.

Throughout his winemaking career until his retirement in October last year, Neil McCallum carved out a reputation for excellence in his portfolio of aromatic varietal wines including pinot noir, pinot gris, gewürztraminer, and riesling.

To this day, Dry River wines are ranked among the best in New Zealand.

Designing and building the 371 square metre building was a two-year labour of love for the McCallums, who drew their inspiration from the Moorish architecture of Spain and its distinctive style of domes, arches, courtyards, and decorative tile work.

They collaborated with architect Chris Kelly, and builder Ron Allen to design the distinctive 12 two-tonne vaulted ceilings, each supported by four concrete columns.

Neil said the large concrete arches represented a challenge in themselves.

"Each of the 12 arches were created in a mould offsite in Otaki and had to be transported to Martinborough," he said.

"We had to survey all of the corners of the roads between Otaki and Martinborough to ensure it would be possible to transport the arches, as well as checking that all the bridges along the way would be capable of carrying the weight.

"We also had to bring in a 50 tonne crane especially from Wellington so the arches were able to be lifted into place."

The unique design of the property was recognised in 2007 when it received the New Zealand Award for Architecture, and the New Zealand Concrete Society Residential Award.

Neil said not only did the vaulted ceilings give the property its distinctive look, it also created a feeling of calm for those inside.

"Sometimes I enjoy just lying in bed and looking up at the ceiling," he said.

After six years living at Kanuka Way, the McCallums have decided it is time to downsize, allowing them more time to travel and for Neil to focus on his interest in buying and cutting coloured gems.

The property has been placed the market for sale by Bayleys, with offers invited by November 28. Marketing the property for sale is Bayleys Coast to Coast salesperson Di Martin.

The property comprises four bedrooms, plus study, expansive living areas which open into sheltered outdoor entertaining areas, wine cellar, a solar-heated lap pool, and extensive shed space.

The four hectare low maintenance lifestyle block has been planted with 7000 native trees and provides inspiring views of Waiarapa farmland - as far north as the Tararuas and Mount Bruce, and south to Lake Ferry and the South Island. The grounds include two ponds, two sheds, three 22,500 litre water tanks and a well.

"Every aspect of this property has been designed in a way to be aesthetically pleasing - from the Oamaru stone walls to the Italian porcelain floor and wall tiles, to the vaulted concrete ceilings," Ms Martin said.

"This is a unique opportunity to purchase an award-winning property, in a peaceful private setting, with awe-inspiring views of the South Wairarapa Valley."