Hunter Valley’s opulent Olio Mio estate on market for $7.5m
One of the NSW Hunter Valley’s most prestigious estates, the opulent Olio Mio, has hit the market with an asking price of about $7.5m
One of the NSW Hunter Valley’s most prestigious estates, the opulent Olio Mio, a Tuscan-styled olive oil and wine producing property on a commanding ridge atop Pokolbin, has hit the market with an asking price of about $7.5m.
Since buying Olio Mio in 2002, the vendors, Bob and Denise Whalan, have created the stunning estate, which is one of about 150 premium wine producers in the Hunter Valley.
The Whalans’ Olio Mio Olive Oils range is now also a popular choice in the region among top local restaurants.
Domestic tourism to the Hunter Valley region, which is renowned for its long-established wineries, luxurious guesthouses and world-class golf courses, has been spiralling during COVID after the disastrous 2020 vintage which was severely impacted by the drought and bushfire smoke taint. Buyers are also looking to get out of Sydney and retreat to lifestyle areas.
Set amid stunning mountain and vineyard views, Olio Mio covers 25.5ha of vineyards and olive trees along with an opulent six-bedroom main house plus a separate two-bedroom guesthouse replete with a large lounge and dining room designed in the contemporary style.
The main house has three living areas and a gourmet kitchen along with five bedrooms including three with ensuites. There’s also an office and cellar on the lower floor with the overall decoration modern country with an added Tuscan flavour.
Olio Mio includes a 10ha olive grove and olive processing plant plus a 2.4ha vineyard producing for the estate’s Stormy Ridge range of wines.
Olio Mio is being marketed by Richard Royle and Deborah Cullen of Cullen Royle who reckon post-COVID buyers are now looking for opportunities in the Hunter Valley region, north of Sydney, which offer self-sufficient lifestyles.
All up, Olio Mio features eight bedrooms, six bathrooms and parking for four vehicles, reached via a long palm-lined driveway running through landscaped gardens. There are several outdoor entertaining areas, including an alfresco terrace and an obligatory pizza oven.
Along with the olive and wine growing areas there’s a small fruit tree orchard, a large chicken house and an abundant vegetable garden.
The vineyards are divided between shiraz, tempranillo and verdelho varieties and are available for purchase on the estate and online.
The estate’s signature wine is the 2015 Stormy Ridge Reserve Shiraz, and red wine lovers will also enjoy the 2013 tempranillo which was awarded a silver medal at the 2014 Hunter Valley Boutique Winemakers Show.
As well, there is an olive press and related equipment, three-bay machinery shed and large cool room for wine storage in a rustic stone building, off De Beyers Road.
This year’s Hunter Valley vintage is looking more optimistic with high-quality fruit and surprisingly good yields, according to wine experts. The drought-breaking rain has helped restore vine health, filled dams and covered the paddocks in a lush blanket of green.
“This is a perfect blend of residence and income right in the heart of the Hunter Valley,” Ms Cullen said.
She said the Whalans, whose children have now grown up, have decided to relocate to the NSW coast but will still be close to the Hunter Valley region.
Expressions of interest close through Cullen Royle on April 15.
