THE option to secure a well-watered, mixed farm of genuine scale within easy reach of Canberra and Sydney is expected to attract a diverse pool of buyers for “Willawong”, Murringo.

The 3,838ha property features extensive improved pastures that comfortably run 40,000 DSE and is currently stocked with 1000 trade cattle, 4,000 wethers and 9500 joined Merino and crossbred ewes and replacements, turning off trade and store lambs.

Strategic developments by the Wallace family over the past 35 years include regular fertiliser application and integration of canola, wheat and barley for livestock grazing and/or grain crops, while 2,888ha (84%) of the property has been sown to improved perennial grass and clover pastures, lucerne and winter crops.

The balance of 372ha is native perennial grasses and clover pastures, with the remaining 577ha being remnant timber.

“Willawong” comes with a 168mL groundwater irrigation licence and is securely watered by five bores through a reticulated water system, along with three creeks and 85 dams that capitalise on the district’s 678mm of annual rainfall.

Quality improvements include sheepyards, three woolsheds – one with five stands, two with four stands each – a set of cattle yards, multiple machinery and hay sheds, stables and silos, and six residences.

“A holding of this scale and versatility rarely comes up in such a tightly held grazing area,” said LAWD Senior Director, Col Medway.

“The successful bidder will benefit from stepping into a well-improved, premium property complete with a wonderful historic homestead, excellent local amenities and saleyards nearby.”

The village of Murringo on the southwest slopes was one of the earliest settlements west of the Great Dividing Range and as an early pastoral run, “Willawong” is renowned for its well-preserved 1850s homestead.

Set 440 metres above sea level in a scenic valley between two ranges running north-south, the sprawling bluestone home features a tennis court, sweeping lawns and pressed metal ceilings, with numerous outbuildings including an old stone coach house, cellars and meat rooms.

“Willawong” was last sold in 1988 to the late Dr Jane Wallace, a University of Sydney academic and passionate farmer from Camden.

Over the years Dr Wallace successfully added another six neighbouring farms or land parcels to the “Willawong” aggregation including “Erinvale”, which is currently the home of her son Tony and his wife, Annabel Wallace.

Renovated in 2012, the four-bedroom “Erinvale” residence is built from local stone and features an in-ground pool, extensive gardens and a separate one-bedroom studio with kitchenette, bathroom and sitting room, formerly run by Annabel Wallace as an art gallery for 13 years.

Tony Wallace said the “Willawong” aggregation put together by his mother has been a wonderful home for the family and the property’s accessibility to Sydney and Canberra is a great advantage.

“Willawong” is being offered for sale by Expression of Interest closing at 12 noon (AEDT) on Thursday 19 October, 2023.

For further information contact Col Medway +61 428 481 243 or Tim Corcoran +61 407 893 935.