Victorian farmers buy ‘Airlie’ farm near Wangaratta for big price tag

A third-generation farm, near Wangaratta, has been sold to northern Victorian farmers after “substantial interest”.

A third-generation farm located in Victoria’s northeast has gone under the hammer for a price believed to be in the millions.

The 1935ha property, ‘Airlie’ at Thoona, which has been owned by the Sinclair family since 1930, has sold after being placed on the market in October.

When first placed up for sale,

It was believed the property could fetch about $28 million when it was first placed on the market, and is understood the property sold around its expected price range.

The new ‘Airlie’ owners are believed to be part of a northern Victorian farming operation and were looking at expanding their business across the state’s northeast.

It is understood they were particularly interested in the chance to increase their land holdings in parts of the state that may gather greater and more reliable rainfall.

Elders Real Estate agent Dave Colvin, who listed the property, said the sale was subject to confidentiality agreements and was completed for an undisclosed price.

Airlie at Thoona.

Mr Colvin said there was substantial interest across the campaign.

“Both parties are understandably happy with the deal,” he said.

“Properties like this don’t come up very often, especially in this part of the state.

“This was a fairly rare offering and I think we have got the interest we thought the market would bring.

“Across the campaign there was substantial interest especially from potential buyers from across eastern Australia.”

The ‘Airlie’ holding was owned by the vendors in three sections with Airlie (774ha), Avalon (405ha) and Lenid (756ha) all up for sale.

Airlie at Thoona.

Mr Colvin said all sections were included in the deal.

On the Airlie property, there are two substantial homes with the principal brick family home of four bedrooms that was originally built about 1960.

The mixed farming site is currently running 450 breeding cows and their calves, 100 heifers and number of opportunity trading stock of either Hereford or Angus steers.

Across the holding there are also 45 paddocks which are run sheep, and grows canola, wheat and oat crops alongside pastures of clover, rye and phalaris.