An upcoming auction in Narrabri will give buyers multiple options to secure a versatile farming and grazing property, offering irrigation and lifestyle possibilities.
The property, “Summerfield”, comprises 339 hectares (840ac) situated fronting the south bank of the Namoi River at Turrawan, about 19 kilometres east of Narrabri.
It is owned by Mack and Margaret Hann, who bought the bulk of the property in 2004 and five years later – after they had sold their Bellata property, “Terregee” – the homestead portion.
The Hanns are now looking to retire to Armidale, and have listed “Summerfield” for sale with Rob Southwell of Southwell Land and Water, Narrabri.
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In a bid to satisfy all comers, Mr Southwell has listed the property for auction sale on February 22 in three parcels, although prior offers will also be considered for the property as a whole.
The first parcel to be offered at auction will be the 319ha comprising the bulk of the farmland, followed by an auction of the water access licence, and lastly the homestead portion of 19ha.
Adding to the multiple choices is the fact that the main “Summerfield” block (auction one) is held in two titles, each with its own water supply, shedding, and building entitlement (subject to development approval).
Fronting the Namoi River for 1.5km and virtually all arable, the property rises from fertile river flats of heavy alluvial soils to elevated country of red-brown sandy loam.
Most of the property is subject to periodic beneficial flooding, with the exception of an elevated 11.5ha “refuge” area on the south-western boundary, with cattle yards and hay shed.
Some of the river country was developed for flood irrigation in the early 1960s when cotton was in its early days in the valley, although no irrigation has occurred in recent years.
However, the irrigation option is available, and the second of the three auctions will see the offering of 43 unit shares of Upper Namoi Groundwater (tradable within Zone 5 of the Namoi Water Sharing Plan).
Under present management “Summerfield” has been used primarily for grazing, with a herd of Hereford and black baldy cows ranging in size from 95 to 135 breeders, according to season, and steer progeny grown out and fattened on crop. The property is now destocked, the last 46 cows and calves (pictured) were sold in good condition last week.
Average rainfall is 591mm and stock water is supplied from the river, supplemented by bores reticulating to tanks and troughs, and paddock dams.
The three-bedroom homestead dates from the 1920s but has since been extended, and extensively renovated by the present owners. Set amid established lawns and mature trees, the attractive, air-conditioned, weatherboard home boasts a modern kitchen, open-plan living/dining area and new bathroom.
Working infrastructure includes steel cattle yards to work 300 head, with round draft yard and crush, steel sheepyards, steel machinery shed, hay shed, workshop and silos.