Splendour in the rich grasslands: [1 Edition]
Stapleton, John. The Australian [Canberra, A.C.T] 30 Aug 2002: 25.
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Abstract
Although the Gunnedah district, like much of the state, is suffering drought at the moment, in good times lagoons dot Ruvigne, adding to its scenic quality and providing water holes for stock.
Scottish family Jim and Joanna Cochran, who have owned Ruvigne since 1989, are winding up their rural interests in the district following the purchase of more country in Victoria to complement their existing holding Bushy Creek. The Cochrans also have large family holdings in Scotland.
Ruvigne and The Knobs will be offered for sale by auction on October 11 at the Country Comfort Motel Inn Tamworth by [George Avard] Rural Property Sales and Schute Bell Badgery Lumby of Sydney.
* Rural
RUVIGNE homestead is one of the classic country homes of the Gunnedah district of NSW.
The expected price at auction -- between $3.2 and $3.6 million -- reflects its rarity.
Ruvigne Homestead was built in 1908 by architect, builder and original owner Tom Goodwin.
The land is thought to have been acquired by Goodwin as a government grant, probably in return for many years of service.
A number of large properties in the Gunnedah district were originally granted in this manner.
Although the Gunnedah district, like much of the state, is suffering drought at the moment, in good times lagoons dot Ruvigne, adding to its scenic quality and providing water holes for stock.
The 100-square house is constructed of cypress pine and features pressed metal ceilings, seven bedrooms, a central ballroom and surrounding verandahs overlooking an expansive garden with in- ground pool and all-weather tennis court.
In keeping with the homestead are other historic buildings: a blacksmiths shop, station store, station office, gardener's cottage, stables which incorporate carriage sheds, bull stalls and tack room.
Other improvements include silos, a woolshed, manager's residence and cattle yards.
Scottish family Jim and Joanna Cochran, who have owned Ruvigne since 1989, are winding up their rural interests in the district following the purchase of more country in Victoria to complement their existing holding Bushy Creek. The Cochrans also have large family holdings in Scotland.
"It is one of the biggest and finest classic old properties to have come on to the market in Gunnedah for many years," local agent George Avard said.
"We are in the middle of one of the worst droughts on record but we have had very solid interest. We've had at least 20 genuine inquiries so far. What's theproperty like? I'm bloody jealous actually. It's a beautiful place.
"The homestead is set amongst magnificent river redgums and apple trees. It is a lifestyle as well as a viable property."
Ruvigne boasts 6km of double frontage to the Mooki River. The river's branches meander across the property, feeding ancient billabongs and water holes.
Since purchasing the property, the Cochrans have developed 138ha of flood irrigation producing high yiedling crops of corn, sorghum, wheat and cotton.
Also being offered for sale at the same time is an adjoining 672ha property The Knobs, which was originally part of Ruvigne but subdivided in 1978. Theexpected price is between $1.5 and $1.7 million.
This means the two properties total 2284 hectares including approximately 2024ha of farming country and 138ha of irrigation. Combined they represent one of the largest holdings ever auctioned in the Gunnedah district.
Because of the way the two properties complement each other, the agents are strongly recommending to potential buyers that they consider purchasing them together.
Ruvigne and The Knobs will be offered for sale by auction on October 11 at the Country Comfort Motel Inn Tamworth by George Avard Rural Property Sales and Schute Bell Badgery Lumby of Sydney.
