Lord Michael Hintze to sell major NSW farm Warrane at Armidale

An Australian-British billionaire who owns about 40 Aussie farms is selling his expansive 7489ha Northern Tablelands property.

An Aussie expat UK hedge fund manager has listed his mighty 7489ha northern NSW livestock farm for sale after a 15-year tenure.

London-based Lord Michael Hintze is selling Warrane, located 18km northwest of Armidale in the NSW New England region.

In late 2007, Lord Hintze purchased the property for a reported $22 million on his way to accumulating a mammoth Australian agricultural portfolio, after founding hedge fund CQS in 1999.

Thanks to its notable size, scale and renewable energy project, potential offers for Warrane are likely to reach the mid-$30 million range.

Under the name Michael Hintze Premiums Farms, Lord Hintze owns a portfolio comprising 40 farms across 16 aggregations, totalling 65,000 hectares across Queensland, NSW and Victoria.

Billionaire expat hedge fund manager Lord Michael Hintze owns a substantial Australian agricultural portfolio. Picture: Sam Mooy

LAWD senior directors Danny Thomas and Col Medway were appointed to sell Warrane which is for sale via expressions of interest closing May 12 at 4pm..

“A property like this is rare, with its continuous hectares and improvements,” Mr Thomas said.

“During Lord Hintze’s tenure there has been a significant capital expenditure program focused on land development, soil fertility, laneway improvements, installing exceptional working improvements and water infrastructure,” Mr Medway said.

At present the property is rated to carry 58,000 dry sheep equivalent and was producing a combination of beef cattle, prime lambs and merino wool in recent seasons.

Lord Michael Hintze purchased Warrane in late 2007 for a reported $22 million.

Clearing permits have also been granted for 2027ha, of which 325ha has been completed, opening the door for different pursuits, Mr Medway said.

He also said Lord Hintze, via Michael Hintze Premiums Farms, have had discussions about renewable energy project development on the property, which could add a revenue stream to holding.

A circa-1910 five-bedroom, three-bathroom homestead stands on the property along with a new manager’s residence, and staff accommodation.

In October last year, Lord Hintze’s title was elevated after King Charles approved a recommendation from former UK prime minister Boris Johnson, due in part to his founding of the Hintze Family Charitable Foundation and work as a trustee of the National Gallery.