Marlborough farm scales heights
A high-country station with significant size and scale in Marlborough, faithfully farmed by the same family for three generations, is being offered to the market.
Upton Fells Station in Awatere Valley, only
55km from Blenheim’s CBD, encompasses
7857ha of freehold land and is known for its fine merino wool production and beef breeding operation.
With such an expansive landholding, there are multiple options to expand the current revenue streams, including hunting, tourism and further development.
The well-balanced property ranges from irrigated workable downs to strong, clean, productive limestone tussock country and elevated peaks rising to 1250m above sea level, with the majority of the property being under 850m above sea level.
Year-round running natural water, several stands of native matai, totara, and beech trees, coupled with the surrounding landscapes including the majestic Mt Tapuae-o-Uenuku, add to the property’s natural beauty, solitude and ambience.
Approximately 1500ha of regenerating indigenous natives has been identified as potentially eligible for the Emissions Trading Scheme and is awaiting MPI approval, possibly adding another major income stream.
The beef herd is based on Rissington bloodlines with calves sold to annual buyers, a testament to the genetics and performance of the station-bred cattle. Part of the merino clip is supplied to a high-end Italian fashion company.
Andy Poswillo, director at Colliers Marlborough, is marketing the property via tender with the deadline for offers closing at 2pm, Friday December 1.
“This large high-country station has been carefully maintained and farmed across multiple generations with an extensive level of care taken,” Poswillo says.
“We expect a property of this nature to attract a good level of interest due to its sizeable freehold tenure, location, and the fact it is one of the few high-country stations offered to the market for some time. Properties of this calibre are seldom available.”
The well-established farming infrastructure includes a six-bedroom homestead with tennis court, in-ground pool, and separate staff accommodation. There is also a six-stand woolshed with 1800-night pen capacity, workshop, implement sheds, and sheep and cattle yards.
Multiple huts and sheep and cattle facilities are strategically located on the station with wellformed 4WD tracks providing good access and ease of stock movement.
Poswillo says the long-term prospects for the property are incredibly exciting due to the development opportunities that will complement the existing income streams. “There are extensive hunting opportunities on the property and given the popularity of the South Island, and New Zealand’s international reputation for offering picturesque landscapes, there is potential to explore tourism opportunities through a boutique accommodation offering.”