Beerburrum’s historical Iona Farm changes hands in $3m sale

Sunshine Coast couple Terry and Elizabeth Little have parted ways with their organic fruit farm in a multimillion-dollar sale for an original war settler’s home.

A First World War settler’s block at Beerburrum transformed over decades into an organic farm has changed hands for just the second time in a multimillion-dollar deal.

Iona Farm at 82 Iona Road, Beerburrum, had been the pride and joy of husband-and-wife team Terry and Elizabeth Little for more than 20 years.

The Littles had grown custard apples, lemons, figs, avocado and dragon fruit on the farm, set on a 16ha property which came with six different residences.

Mrs Little, 73, said her husband’s health had deteriorated after he was diagnosed with Guillain-Barre syndrome three years ago making upkeep difficult to maintain.

Beerburrum retirees Terry and Elizabeth Little say they’ll move to Bribie Island after selling their organic fruit farm.

She said it was the right time to start the next chapter.

“He was lucky to survive but he’s had a brilliant neurologist who has got him going,” Mrs Little said.

“But it’s just gotten more and more difficult to be physical.”

The farm sold through Ray White Beerwah for $3m.

Agent Jasmine Ruhle said the new owner was a strawberry farmer who beat two other farmers to secure the property.

“It’s a pretty rare sale, quite a lot of land sales in these rural pockets tend to stay in the family and be passed on in the generations,” Ms Ruhle said.

“It was originally called Chooks and Chokas but then became Iona Farm.

“It’s good that the new owners are keeping it on as a farm.”

The property, which runs off Male Road, was originally owned by the Male family who had strong ties to the community.

Mrs Little said the property was originally used as a settler’s block from the First World War and came with a functioning mud house.

She said it was fitting the property would stay on as a farm and not be turned into a “ghastly” housing estate.

“We are getting grey haired and wrinkly, so it’s time to retire and play lawn bowls,” Mrs Little said.

“I’m sure when we drive out for the last time there will be a lump in the throat but it is time to move on.”