Pastoral Woodlands on Canberra's doorstep

One of the few remaining commercial-scale grazing properties in the historic Bungendore district has been listed for sale.

It will bring to an end five generations of continuous occupation by the Hyles family.

Woodlands was taken up more than 150 years ago by Richard and Jessie Hyles.

It is being sold now as part of a succession plan by Bruce Hyles and his family.

Meares and Associates will offer the 1157 hectare property at online auction on November 15-16.

It is expected to draw competition from grazing interests, serious investors and lifestyle seekers alike.

Situated eight kilometres south of Bungendore with views northwards to Lake George, Woodlands is under three hours’ drive from Sydney.

Although still managed successfully as a commercial grazing operation, based on Merino sheep, the property has obvious potential for subdivision up to a maximum of 14 lots, to meet the steady demand from Canberra for small holdings. 

More than 200,000 pine trees have been planted, either in a 120ha dedicated woodlot or in strategic shelter belts.

Average rainfall is 640mm and the property is watered by 43 dams, an equipped bore and semi-permanent creeks.

As presently managed, “Woodlands” is operated as a woolgrowing concern, with a self-replacing Merino flock of Hazeldean bloodlines producing adult fleeces of 4.5-5kg and 19-19.5 microns.

In recent years a proportion of the ewe flock has been mated to Border Leicester rams to produce first-cross lambs, the ewe portion of which has commanded ready competition at the annual regional summer restocker sales.

The property’s estimated carrying capacity of 2600-3000 DSE offers considerable upside potential, with further investment in pasture establishment and infrastructure.

Woodlands has a Victorian-style homestead built in the 1870s as a wedding present for Jessie Hyles.

Bidding for Woodlands is expected to reach $2.8 million to $3 million.