IN THE early 1870s, Ben Walters purchased a small portion of just over 30 hectares (about 80 acres) of land at Gowrie.
Today, his great-grandson John Walters, and his wife Maryon, farm a considerably expanded property from that original block, now having 1349ha (3333ac).
That property is "Glenarvon", and since the original purchase more land was added over the years and through the generations to take the property to its current size, with the most recent addition in 2003.
The length of single family ownership of the property extends to over 140 years.
After the death of Ben Walters, his wife Eliza remained on the property until 1945, after which Harold Walters (John's grandfather) took over.
He operated "Glenarvon" until 1977, followed by John's father Bruce and his uncle Noel.
John took over ownership in 1986, but as he says, all good things must come to an end, and given his retirement plans the property has been put up for sale.
Mr Walters said throughout his family's ownership "Glenarvon" had always had a mixed farm focus.
He said the property made for an attractive breeding and finishing option for livestock.
"It is ideally suited to cattle, prime lambs and wool production, while the farming country is ideal for winter and summer grain, and fodder and lucerne crops," he said.
"Glenarvon" is planted to wheat, barley and oats - typical of the property's production, which usually includes a winter fodder crop of cowpeas.
Mr Walters said "Glenarvon" benefited from very good self mulching heavy basalt soils beneficial for a summer grain crop.
Grazing land also featured quality basalt soils.
Throughout his ownership, Mr Walters has carried out substantial upgrades to fencing and the reticulated water system, adding numerous troughs.
He said fencing was in excellent condition, and renewal ensured it was suitable for both cattle and sheep.
Pasture improvement has also been a focus, with the property possessing sub clover, as well as native grasses.
The four-bedroom double brick home, over 100 years old, is still in very good order, and is set in a position to take in views of the Peel Valley.
Other structures include two cottages, a three-stand shearing shed with yards, shearers' quarters, a set of steel cattle yards, a total of 330 tonnes of grain storage across five silos and a range of machinery and hay sheds.
There's also six bores, four of which are equipped, 29 troughs, 20 dams, a 27-paddock subdivision and an airstrip.
About 365ha (900ac) of the property is dedicated to farming land, while grazing land is undulating through to some steeper slopes.
"Glenarvon" is about 33 kilometres south of Tamworth, and Mr Walters said he considered the Gowrie area to be a true "blue ribbon" location.
Daniel McCulloch, Ruralco Property Davidson Cameron Real Estate, Tamworth, is taking the property to auction on November 5.
Price expectations are in the high $3 million to early $4m range.
n Contact Daniel McCulloch, 0429 613 332.