A Central West property listed for auction later this month is the ideal easily-managed farm for a family wanting to scale down from something larger, or for city folk seeking a rural bolthole.
Comprising 224 hectares (553ac), Nandillyan North is large enough to accommodate meaningful and diverse production, while also offering lifestyle appeal - all in a central, accessible location.
The property is owned by Eric and Kathy Farlow, who bought it five years ago as a step down from a larger holding at Lake Cargelligo, and who are now set to downsize further into retirement.
They have listed Nandillyan North for sale with Brian Mcaneney of Ray White Rural and it will go to auction in Sydney on August 31.
Situated 8.8 kilometres north of Molong on the Euchareena road, Nandillyan North is only 41km from Orange and handy to livestock markets at Carcoar, Dubbo and Forbes.
Nandillyan North was originally part of Major Claude Smith's sprawling Nandillyan Station, which at the turn of last century was shearing approximately 16,000 sheep.
It was also home to a well respected thoroughbred stud.
The station was broken up for sale in 1914, along with the same owner's adjoining Boomey Station - a combined holding of some 6000ha - and Major Smith retired to Katoomba.
Nandillyan North became one of several portions of the original station to retain the Nandillyan name, when held in turn in subsequent years by the Hyland, Carmichael, Granowski and Young families.
At different times the property was home to Merino and Romney Marsh sheep studs, which exhibited with success at local shows.
Initially a much larger property, until subdivided in the early 1940s, Nandillyan North today is home to an Angus-based herd of 115 to 120 cows, growing progeny to turnoff weights of around 400kg.
The grazing operation is supplemented by fodder cropping and Nandillyan North is being offered with 28ha of Yambla barley and 42ha of Bimble oats given in.
Described as gently undulating country of rich basalt on a limestone base, Nandillyan North carries a productive pasture mix of phalaris, clovers, ryegrass, medics and cocksfoot.
The property is estimated to be 70 per cent arable and is subdivided into 12 main paddocks which retain scattered shade and shelter trees of yellow and white box and kurrajong.
Average rainfall is 700mm and the property is watered by two equipped bores reticulating to tanks and 11 paddock troughs, and four main dams.
The renovated three-bedroom homestead is of timber and concrete render construction and set in established, tree-ringed gardens.
Features include a modern kitchen with gas cooktop and island bench, and separate lounge and dining rooms.
There is also tile and polished timber flooring, ducted air conditioning, paved entertaining area and two-car garage.
It is complemented by a self-contained two-bedroom cottage.
The original timber stables now incorporate a kitchen and dining area and loft area offering additional accommodation potential.
Working structures include a near-new steel machinery shed with two lockable bays, a workshop, hay shed and steel and timber cattle yards with covered work area and RPM crush.
Also still standing is the original timber and iron shearing shed where in earlier times up to 6000 Merino sheep were shorn.
By PETER AUSTIN.