Welcome to Belltrees "The farm" located at the very end of 404 Mudfords Lane, Lansdowne. A wildlife sanctuary sequestered in a hidden valley of the northern Manning region just 10 minutes from Lansdowne Village and 30 minutes from the bustling regional centre of Taree and its nearby beautiful coastal beaches.
In the first instance, be on notice, this is not really your average farm! It is in fact more fitting to style it a retreat for those that love nature in all its glory. It is a 300 acre wonderland of wildlife and lush sub-tropical rainforest layered over the dramatic canvas of the Lansdowne escarpment as it flows down from the heights of the Great Divide. It has, since 1983 been the life's work of its present owner Mike Richardson (a man quite reminiscent of the acclaimed naturalist David Attenborough)
By removing the introduced weeds and opening old trails Mike has rehabilitated the glorious pockets of sub-tropical rainforest flora and fauna that are the wonder of Belltrees. From this has blossomed a literal wonderland of biodiversity supporting endangered native birds and Gondwanna wildlife. A pair of peregrine falcons have an eyrie on the sheer cliff above "Belltrees" that can be viewed from a well-constructed viewing tower. The other hide, truly hidden in the ancient figtree next to the homestead and linked with its verandahs, gives a wonderful intimate window on courting wompoo pigeons and foraging bowerbirds.
100 ha of the estate have been covenanted reflecting the wealth of its Biodiversity. This provides for ongoing income via the Biodiversity Conservation Trust for any ongoing maintenance of the land. Effectively it is a private national park protected in perpetuity. The ecology has been documented listing many rare animals including the endangered spotted-tailed quoll. It adjoins Coorabakh National park to the north east.
Notwithstanding the above, the property has been a horse stud since 1983, and still offers 20 ha of arable land and infra structure perfectly suitable for horses or cattle. There are quality sheds, dams, fencing and cattle yards. In addition there is a horse training round yard and 8 kilometres of bridle trails that wind to every corner of the property providing easy access and luxurious escape… on horseback, 4 wheel drive ……or on foot in perfect solitude… or arm in arm.
The accommodation includes a substantial comfortable and very convivial homestead. It has great proportion, including two living areas 4 bedrooms and a study with native hardwood wood floors beautiful timber joinery and the cosy comfort of a wood fire. It blends into its habitat as if it has simply grown there.
In addition there is the amazing "Quoll Cottage" nestled in the heart of the tall wet sclerophyll forest and styled as an original settlers slab cottage. Fully furnished it offers convivial yet primal comfort. An exquisitely original home stay or guest sleep over option.
There is a spacious studio adjacent to the main workshop shed which provides additional sleeping capacity but would, with ease be re-purposed into beautiful B&B guest accommodation.
Closely held and purposefully protected by an authentic man, with a genuine passion for the natural realm of this estate, has meant relatively very few folk have actually ever had the opportunity and pleasure of seeing it!
That is about to change.
Mike has had to consider the future. He is ready to pass the property to new hands. The buyer will likely love the natural world and wilderness and probably have a deep interest in birds or wildlife or sub-tropical forests or all of the above.
Options abound going forward. The property has all of the infrastructure to continue to be what it has been for the last 40 years. Namely the country seat of an established family.
It could simply be a holiday home or weekender. A place to escape, hole up with family and friends. Enjoy the smell of wood smoke and fresh air. The sound of the birds and the sounds of silence……
Or it could be re-purposed into an amazing home and income/air B&B. It would be an obvious success given the interest it has to offer guests and its proximity to the travellers trails only a few hours north of Sydney and a few minutes easy jaunt from the coastal beaches east of Taree.
If any of this has resonated with you, take the time to learn more. This is a truly rare opportunity. With respect to price the Vendor is seeking Expressions of Interest from parties competent from $2m. The property is seriously for sale and display (refer to www.belltreesthefarm.com). It will be opened for viewing most weekends (see the advertised times on line). For more information and independent inspections please call the Exclusive Agent.
