The Southern Slopes region of NSW is known as one of the climatically “safest” in the state, and following recent rains properties there like “Waverley” are a balm for drought-weary eyes.
Situated just 34 kilometres north-east of Albury, in the prized Mullengandra district, “Waverley” is a 330 hectare (816ac) mixed farming property owned since 2011 by Bruce and Kerri Jacob.
The Jacobs are now moving on to another project and have listed “Waverley” for sale with Brian Unthank Real Estate of Albury. It will go to auction on November 9 in Albury with bidding expected to top $3.5 million.
Originally somewhat larger, “Waverley” had its origins as one of 10 soldiers’ blocks carved off Table Top Station in 1948, when it was drawn in a ballot by Dudley Shuter. As a free-standing property, it soon built a reputation as a high quality mixed farm, producing wool and prime lambs, and cattle fattened on its creek flats.
...the Jacobs have spared no expense in bringing the property to a high pitch.
By the 1980s, under different ownership, “Waverley” became widely known as home to the Hawkaway Murray Grey stud, but in 2004 it became a casualty of progress when it was acquired by the then Roads and Traffic Authority for a realignment of the Hume Freeway.
The property was leased while the roadworks were under way, the latter involving the loss of land at the western end, and in 2011 the pared-down version of “Waverley” was bought by the Jacobs.
Since then, the Jacobs have spared no expense in bringing the property to a high pitch, with investment in pasture improvement, water, fencing, infrastructure and home refurbishment. Described as a well-balanced property of mostly red and grey loam soils, “Waverley” rises from rich flats lining the Mullengandra Creek (on the eastern boundary) to gentle, arable slopes and low hills.
Lucerne has been established on 25ha of the flats, and improved pastures of clover, phalaris and ryegrass on about 265ha of the arable slopes. All have been topdressed annually.
A further 40ha is low hill country, while a fenced-off woodlot makes up the balance of the area on the southern boundary. Average rainfall is 700mm and apart from its creek frontage and eight dams, the property boasts a new water reticulation system servicing troughs in 20 paddocks from tanks fed by a long-established well.
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Carrying capacity is estimated at 4000 DSE or 250 cows and calves and the property is currently lightly stocked with 600 ewes and lambs and 120 cows. Two paddocks of feed wheat this year are supplementing the improved pastures.
Working infrastructure upgrades by the present owners include renovations to the two-stand shearing shed, which now has new steel sheep yards, and a new set of under-cover cattle yards.
Other structures include a five-bay machinery shed with enclosed workshop and a spacious bull and storage shed with concrete floor.
The older-style weatherboard homestead of five bedrooms has been partially refurbished, and is set among established trees and shrubs with an in-ground pool and garage/workshop. There is also a two-bedroom cottage.
