When Sydney lawyer Aleco Vrisakis and his wife Mary Jane purchased the Rylstone district property in 1981 they are now selling as “Phalaris Stud”, it went by the name of “Marsden Stud”.
The former name was inspired by the proximity of the imposing peak known as Mt Marsden (after the colonial cleric, the Reverend Samuel Marsden, whose “Bogee” farm was on the other side of the peak).
As “Marsden Stud”, the 169 hectare (417ac) property had stood two thoroughbred stallions, and the new owners did likewise, with Kala Dancer (sire of the Melbourne Cup winner Subzero) and Integra.
They also stood a Clydesdale stallion, but as well, they extensively redeveloped the property as a comprehensive thoroughbred breeding, training and spelling farm, as well as a Murray Grey cattle stud. Among the many winners born and reared at the renamed “Phalaris Stud” was the 2012 Sydney Cup winner Niwot.
But now the stud is being wound down, the Vrisakises are heading for retirement, and “Phalaris Farm” has been listed for sale by Sam Triggs of Inglis Rural Property. It is being offered for sale by expressions of interest closing on September 26, with offers expected around $2 million, reflecting the property’s choice location and high-quality improvements.
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The offering is expected to appeal to city folk with equine interests seeking a high-class rural retreat, or to “tree changers” planning a permanent country move, or to serious horse breeders.
Situated in the Cudgegong Valley 13 kilometres south of Rylstone, “Phalaris Stud” is within an hour’s drive of Mudgee, and about 2.5 hours from Sydney.
The mostly granite loam property rises from the valley floor, through cleared, gently sloping paddocks of established perennial pastures, to timbered hills (used for horse muscle development) that form its eastern boundary. Rainfall in the past eight years has averaged 790mm and the property is exceptionally well watered by a bore and a big dam which together supply a reticulation system, and 15 paddock dams.
A welcome fall of 25mm last weekend is expected to produce an early response of new pasture growth. The property is fenced – mostly with ironbark post and rail fencing – into 14 major paddocks, with eight day paddocks (five with shelters) adjacent to the eight-box stable complex.
Apart from the stable complex with its central breezeway, wash bay, tack and feed rooms and staff quarters, the extensive equine facilities include an Olympic sand arena, a 51 metre exercise pool, modern horse walker for six horses and covered round yard.
Overlooking the property from a north-facing rise, the architect-designed 2/3-bedroom homestead, built in 2000, features wide timber decks, open-plan living/dining area with tiled floors, spacious office and ducted air conditioning. It is flanked by a studio or guest accommodation, and three-car garage.
The original concrete-and-brick homestead of four bedrooms now serves as a manager’s residence, and a two-bedroom cottage provides an additional accommodation option for guests or staff.
