This does not mean they will be parting with their entire 525 hectare (1298ac) property, but have instead decided to offer a substantial 208.56ha (515.39ac) portion, forming “Part Lakeview”.

This property has been more recently used by the Banks family as a fattening block for Holstein dairy cattle from coastal farms, growing them out to quality heifers and eventually going back to the coast.

This entry onto the property market brings a wider scope of possibilities for buyers, offering potential as a productive cattle grazing or sheep property.

“Part Lakeview” has been listed for private sale with Frank Spilsbury, Elders Armidale, at $1.185 million, or about $5682/ha ($2299/ac).

Situated seven kilometres south of Uralla and 30km south west of Armidale, “Part Lakeview” lies adjacent to Thunderbolt’s Rock, which bushranger Fred Ward – better known as Captain Thunderbolt – used as a hideout and vantage point to surprise unsuspecting coaches passing by on the road.

The property is of gently undulating country with fine granite soils, with extensive shelter belts of native and pine trees and improved pastures.

The block has a variety of pasture species, both annual and perennials, and include fescues, white and red clover, paspalum and microlena.

Most paddocks have a fescue/white clover base with a strong mix of natives and herbs.

Based on the current state of pastures and seasonal conditions, carrying capacity ranges from 10 to 16 DSE/ha (2080 to 3328 DSE), depending on management.

The property has a long fertiliser history of single super applied prior to 2001.

Throughout 2006, 2007 and 2008, composted pig and cattle manure was added at total rate of 6.37 tonnes to the hectare.

An estimated 97 per cent is arable and is divided into 25 paddocks.

Improvements include an older set of steel post Bugle sheep yards with weldmesh and ringlock and a concrete race, sheltered with pine trees, and water trough.

Fencing includes a three wire electric for sheep, in addition to ringlock and barb wire across the rest of the property.

A buyer of “Part Lakeview” would also have a water agreement where supply would be guaranteed for five years, with costs applicable.

While there is no existing housing on this block, there are a range of potential sheltered home sties with aspect and views, and services available.

Contact Frank Spilsbury, 0427 010 386.