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Rare large farm hits the market, first time in half a century

Announcement posted by Writers Who 21 Apr 2021

One of the last remaining large-scale properties in Bevendale

One of the last remaining large-scale properties in Bevendale is on the market, bringing to a close more than half a century of one family’s ownership.

Geoff and Michelle Fountain are putting “Chain-O-Ponds”, a 828.1 hectares (2046 acres) property, located 30 minutes from Yass and 1 hour from Goulburn, on the market as they seek retirement. There are 28 separate titles on the land. 

“Most of the properties in the region have been carved up and sold to people seeking a tree change,” Geoff said of the property, which has more than 200ha arable land.

“This is one of the few large-scale properties left that is a complete unit.”

A former Bevendale RFS captain for 16 years, Geoff operated “Chain-O-Ponds” as a full-time farming enterprise since they took over from his parents 32 years ago.

“My parents were in Sydney and wanted to get away from the city and back in 1968 they found this place, fell in love with it and I took it on as I shared their passion for the land.”

Geoff and Michelle raised their two sons on the property, and with a school bus run straight past the front gate, they can picture another family filling their place. Satellite internet has allowed them to work remotely.

“Being surrounded by farms and with plenty of hills and valleys it was the ideal place to raise our family.

“It’s a close-knit community, we have really good neighbours and if you ever have a problem, the community pitches in and helps.”

The owners say it’s perfect for kids who get to enjoy the largest backyard possible, allowing plenty of space for them to run around and tire themselves out.

Geoff worked the farm full-time, running Merinos with 15 to 16 micron wool, with the farm supporting up to 1,200 breeding ewes with lambs afoot.

The property has 15 dams, spring fed ponds and a 65ft bore (unequipped) across 13 paddocks with native and improved flats, including more than 200ha of arable land where Geoff grew lucerne and, for a time, garlic.

Infrastructure includes a two-stand shearing shed, but its long history as a sheep property is evident with an old slab shearing shed dating back to the 1800s remaining.

Agent George Southwell said “Chain-O-Ponds” was being offered on a walk-out, walk-in basis, with farm machinery and a furnished three-bedroom home, which features floorboards made from the stringybark grown on the property.

“The property is ready for its next owners, the oak furniture is being kept in the home,” he said.

“It’s rare to have such a large property for this area to hit the market, so it really is a once in a lifetime opportunity.”

Agent: George Southwell 0429 838 345 george.southwell@raywhite.com