THIS is a great opportunity to own part of WA’s history on the Moore River, known as Woodbine Estate.
This fantastic property has one of the very few settler’s cottages which is still standing and renovated into a four-bedroom, two-bathroom home to suit modern standards.
Being 135 kilometres north of Perth (just over an hour’s drive), this is a special property of 80 hectares on two titles.
The book ‘Neergabby’ by W.J. De Burgh captures the glorious history of this vast, and in many ways very opulent landscape and is worth reading to gain a deeper understanding into the property.
Woodbine Estate is where Mr and Mrs Bandy settled after they arrived by boat from England in the 1800s.
Back in those days only the best properties were selected to develop a self-sufficient lifestyle and Woodbine Estate is a prime example of yesteryear.
Another landmark is Regans Ford. which today is known by the Windmill Roadhouse on Brand Highway, where Mr and Mrs Regan settled along Moore River.
Woodbine Estate is half an hour north of Gingin.
It is believed that the aged timber used to build part of Woodbine cottage came from the cargo of the Seabird which ran aground at Wedge Island.
The timber was collected on the beach at Ledge Point and carted along the old coast track to what was to become Woodbine Estate.
The Bandys and their family contributed a great deal to the development of Moore River.
They had 12 children at Woodbine Estate and there are many stories about how Mrs Bandy and Mr Regan had words when Mr Regan’s pigs raided Mrs Bandy’s garden.
One can imagine the frustration, as this was the family’s main food supply, with no shops nearby.
Another fascinating story was when Mrs Bandy rode her horse all the way from Woodbine to the doctor at Guildford, about 73 miles with her infant son Joseph, who was very ill and sat in a basket across the front of her saddle.
The trip was obviously successful as Joseph lived in Gingin well into his 90s.
“He was known as a tough boy and a local gentleman which I had the opportunity to meet as a child,” said selling agent Adam Shields, Landmark Harcourts.
“Woodbine Estate is a great example of WA heritage, which has been fully renovated and maintained to this day.”
The proeprty is home to a great country lifestyle and a herd of Angus cattle graze the river flats and perennial pastures.
“It’s these kind of historic properties that bring out our passion for the country,” Mr Shields said.
“After growing up on the Moore River myself in a historical cottage/property, called Cowalla, you begin to appreciate the rarity this country offers.”
Don’t miss out on this opportunity to own a rare farm and piece of WA history close to the city and West Coast.
As well as the historical character and renovated cottage, there is additional accommodation, various water sources and bores, a water licence, shearing shed, machinery sheds, stockyards and much more.
Price: $750,000 - $800,000
Location: Regans Ford
Area: 80ha
Agent: Landmark Harcourts
Contact: Adam Shields 0429 104 760