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Historic South Australian rural property lists for the first time since 1853

September 25, 2024

Historic Dalveen[i], a prestigious broadacre property on 1,895 acres, has hit the Fleurieu Peninsula rural market for the first time since 1853.

Listed by leading rural property specialist Mr Paul Clifford, Director of Raine & Horne Rural SA, Dalveen 173 Dalveen Road, Woodchester, is selling by Expressions of Interest and is expected to attract interest from a diverse range of buyers.

Mr Clifford notes, “We expect interest from cropping and livestock farmers, as well as those interested in the development potential of its 21 freehold titles.

“Dalveen represents more than just land – it’s a rare chance to acquire a significant piece of agricultural history on multiple titles, ripe for strategic investment.”

The vendor family, one of the founding families of the Strathalbyn region of South Australia, are now seeking new opportunities for the next generation.

In addition to Dalveen, the vendors are offering two adjoining properties for sale. These include Everley[ii], a historic 1860s homestead set on 129 acres, with a price guide of $1.375 million, and The Mine Paddock[iii], an 89-acre property built on former gold mines, expected to sell for around the mid-$600,000s.

“While these properties are being sold separately from Dalveen, someone might purchase all three together,” said Mr Clifford who has also listed Everly and Mine Paddock for sale.

A historic property with prime cropping and grazing land

Spanning 1,895 acres (766.9 hectares) of prime blue-ribbon cropping and grazing land, Dalveen, which for much of its history has operated as a merino and ram enterprise, is now well-suited for cropping, Mr Clifford said.

“With the option to purchase this iconic broadacre property as a whole or in smaller lots, this offering presents more than just a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” Mr Clifford said.

At the heart of the property stands the historic c1865 Dalveen Homestead, which boasts spacious, well-proportioned rooms set amid beautifully maintained grounds. It offers a lifestyle of both prestige and comfort.

The property is fully equipped with high-quality, functional outbuildings and essential operational infrastructure, including classic stone shearing sheds, modern implement sheds, and silos – perfectly supporting all aspects of a farming enterprise.

Outstanding agricultural performance and water security

An estimated 512 hectares (1,265 acres) of the property is suitable for cropping, with predominantly loamy soil types providing ideal conditions for continuous cropping.

Dalveen has supported a productive agricultural enterprise, with 1,650 merino ewes plus progeny, 800 ewe hoggets, and 250 ram hoggets. Its long-term lambing percentages stand at an impressive 108%. The property dedicates up to 750 acres to on-farm stock feed and hay production, with 500 acres sown to barley, oats, beans, and wheat. An additional 200 acres is set aside for green feed grain for weaners, while 330 acres of barley has been sown this season.

Previous cropping yields have been outstanding, with barley yielding up to 6 tonnes per hectare (average 4.5 tonnes/ha) and oats producing up to 5.5 tonnes per hectare (average 4 tonnes/ha).

The property follows a consistent fertiliser regime, with Single Super applied at 180kg per hectare every 2-3 years on grazing land and high-analysis fertiliser combined with urea applied at 100kg per hectare annually to cropping areas.

Water security is a standout feature, with the property situated in a reliable 18-inch (450-mm) rainfall zone. Stock water is supplied via bores and gravity-fed troughs across the property, with approximately 150,000 litres of water storage available.

A strategic investment opportunity

With its prime location and agricultural potential, Dalveen offers a rare land-banking prospect.

“Its proximity to key towns and transport hubs – just 10 kilometres to Strathalbyn, 12 km from Wistow, 16 km from Mt Barker, and 56 km Adelaide International Airport – further enhances its strategic value,” Mr Clifford.

Dalveen is selling by Expressions of Interest, and interested parties should contact Raine & Horne Rural SA at (08) 8536 3830 for more information or to organise an inspection.

[i] https://www.raineandhorne.com.au/strathalbyn/properties/173-dalveen-road-woodchester-5255-south-australia

[ii] https://www.raineandhorne.com.au/strathalbyn/properties/1625-wellington-road-woodchester-5255-south-australia

[iii] https://www.raineandhorne.com.au/strathalbyn/properties/section-1356-wellington-road-woodchester-5255-south-australia