SA’s Anlaby Station to hit market after 20 years of redevelopment

A 186-year-old farming property that is SA’s oldest Merino stud and a significant heritage estate is about to hit the market.

Anlaby Station, which is just north of Kapunda and was established in 1839 by Frederick Dutton, is offering about 745ha with a collection of Victorian and Edwardian-era buildings, including a 35-room grand homestead built in 1859.

The property has been redeveloped over the past 20 years to restore it to its former glory.

Part of the extensive process included renovating three historic buildings that now serve as bed and breakfast accommodation for guests visiting both the station and the region.

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Anlaby Station, a historic SA farming property just north of Kapunda, will hit the market next week.

It includes 745ha with a collection of Victoria and Edwardian-era buildings.

The historic homestead is impressive inside.

Cropping and grazing land surrounds the historic buildings.

Vendors Andrew Morphett and Peter Hayward purchased the property in 2003, ending their search for a “weekender” closer to their then home in NSW.

The former Sydneysiders were attracted to its rich history and future potential, and have since transformed the property.

They turned its tired buildings and overgrown garden into a stunning heritage estate.

“The house had a roof on it, it was extremely rundown but it was still being lived in – it needed so much work,” Mr Morphett said.

“We’ve since renovated seven residences as well as acres of gardens and the farm.”

Mr Morphett said they loved the property and it was going to be “very emotional” when they did leave but they needed to start thinking about selling.

“We’ve probably got five to 10 years in us before we have to think about moving on,” he said.

“By making the decision to start this process now, it means that we have the time to do what needs to be done.

“We’re going to do business as usual until then.”

Colliers will sell the landmark property, with national director Tim Altscwhager expecting a range of buyers to show interest.

“Given the grandeur of the homestead, extent of the Anlaby village improvements, the various income streams and the quality farming country of Anlaby, we expect interest to come from high net-worth Australian and overseas families looking to acquire a special generational asset, high-end hospitality and tourism operators, agricultural industry participants and private investors with an affinity for the region,” he said.

Colliers national director Jesse Manuel said the owners had done “an incredible job” of restoring the property.

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The property has been lovingly restored over the past 20 years.

It is a landmark property.

“Their commitment to preserving a significant piece of South Australian farming history is evident throughout every aspect of the estate,” he said.

Nationally significant gardens surround the homestead, which were once maintained by 14 gardeners, while the largest private collection of National Trust-registered heritage trees in Australia can also be found on the property.

The owners also host private tours of the gardens and homestead to share its history, as well as weddings and functions, including the Anlaby Spring Festival.

There is a gift shop offering Merino products made from the wool of the original flock pedigree.

Expressions of interest for the property close at 4pm on November 21.

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