End of era as final Rochedale egg farm sells for $7.7 million

A former southside egg farmer has sold his final parcel of land, cracking a record-breaking $7.7 million, one of the highest sale prices for the suburb.

Rochedale identity Robert Bone has sold his Gardner Rd property; and in his vintage horse-drawn buggy which took to the Rochedale State School fete. Pictures: Contributed

A former southside egg farmer has sold his final parcel of land, cracking a record-breaking $7.7 million, one of the highest sale prices for the suburb.

Rochedale egg farmer Robert Bone, who once owned more than 106 hectares of land between Miles Platting Rd and Mount Cotton Rd, made his home at the 1.14ha property in Gardner Rd in 1994.

During the 1960s, Mr Bone was one of the largest suppliers of eggs to the then Queensland Egg Board, which later became Sunny Queen Eggs in 1969.

Locals were able to go to the farm near Miles Platting Rd, where there were several chicken barns and buy fresh eggs directly from Mr Bone.

An aerial view of the Rochedale site on Gardner Rd. Pictures: Contributed

Beyond the barns housing cage birds and the direct egg sales, Mr Bone’s farm was a treasure trove of history, boasting relics such as a 150-year-old hut transported from outside Warwick along with a collection of horse-drawn buggies and vintage cars.

Mr Bone was also a familiar face at the Rochedale State School annual fete, taking his draught horses and carts to give people rides around the oval.

“Bob Bone’s farm was more than just a place to buy eggs; it was a window into the past,” said one longtime resident.

“He brought a piece of history to Rochedale, from the vintage vehicles to the annual fetes where he’d offer rides around the oval.

“It’s sad to see him go, but his contributions to our community will always be remembered.”

The 81-year-old bachelor lived very simply and this month’s sale is long after developers snapped up other farms on Gardner Rd for housing estates.

Now Mr Bone is ready to downsize and move on to the next stage of life but is expected to stay in the area.

Real estate agent Sid Arora shakes the hand of Robert Bone who sold his 1.14ha Rochedale property for $7.7 million. Pictures: Contributed

Ray White real estate agent Sid Arora, who managed the record-breaking sale, said Mr Bone played a significant role in Rochedale’s history and the sale signalled the end of an era for the suburb.

Mr Arora said Mr Bone sold most of his egg farm land in 2009.

“He was one of the largest landowners in the suburb and owned 106ha back in the day,” Mr Arora said.

“The land parcel that we managed to sell was his last asset, and we were honoured to be the agents.

“Throughout the sales process, interest in the property was substantial, both domestically and internationally and we received a remarkable 80 inquiries during the expressions of interest, which ultimately attracted the attention of a developer eager to capitalise on its potential.

“It is a ready-to-be-developed site, in a premium suburb, close to amenities.”

Originally published as End of era as final Rochedale egg farm sells for $7.7 million