In the early 1940s, Arnott Anderson was seeking a suitable farming property within the firm's operations on the North Island, but nothing met both the economic and personal criteria he was looking for. With options running thin and time pressing, Arnott, along with Vida, Judy, and his wife Esther, headed south on repatriation leave. The journey was supported by his brother Jerry, his wife Agnes, and close friends Edwyn and Esther Wilding.

The Wildings welcomed the Andersons to their North Canterbury farm and joined them in the search for a property across Canterbury and Marlborough. Though they visited many properties, none met the financial or farming requirements until a casual comment changed everything.

Just before returning north, the Wildings’ housekeeper mentioned that the owners of Royal Oak Farm, situated between the Wildings’ farm and the Conway River, were considering selling. The very next morning, Edwyn and Arnott visited the property. They were impressed by the land and saw its potential. At £4 5s per acre, with stock to be taken over at valuation, Arnott secured an option to buy.

In July 1943, the Anderson family took possession of the farm and renamed it Kalimera, the Greek word for “good morning”.

The Anderson family has lived on Kalimera, a picturesque 1,100 hectare farm, since 1943. Edward (Woody) Anderson and his wife Sophie are the fourth generation to run the Perendale stud.