Historic Jockwar property up for sale

The station, which sits on the banks of Lake Alexandrina, was first established by Allan McFarlane in 1910, and once comprised of more than 5000 hectares of sheep grazing country.

Today, up to 100 beef breeders can be run on the 272ha property at Wellington East, owned by Brenton and Sue Hicks, who currently purchase weaner steers and heifers for fattening.

Sue is a McFarlane descendant, with Jockwar held in the same family for six generations.

At the end of the property's one-kilometre driveway is the grand Jockwar Homestead, surrounded by wide verandahs and manicured gardens.

The limestone homestead was built in 1910, with jarrah floors, high ceilings, generous-sized rooms and cellar, but has since been updated "with all the modern comforts", including a major renovation in 2008.

It has five bedrooms plus a study, 4.5 bathrooms, three living areas, 4.5 bathrooms and swimming pool.

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The gardens, which sprawl down to 2km of freehold freshwater lake frontage and private jetty, have hosted many weddings and functions in the past, while there is also an established vegetable patch, chicken run and 90-tree olive grove.

The property also holds a River Murray water licence and four 10ha centre pivots sites were installed about 20 years ago, but are currently not in use.

Two 1920s cottages or workers accommodation, each accessed via their own driveway, are also part of the package.

The currently-tenanted Bush Cottage and Lake Cottage both comprise three bedrooms, one bathroom and offer a basic level of amenity, including reverse cycle split-system air conditioning, slow combustion wood heating, rainwater supply, sundry shedding and car garage.

Bush Cottage is surrounded by a Geraldton Wax plantation and extensive revegetated area, while Lake Cottage is situated on the bank of Lake Alexandrina and features some of the best views on the property.

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Pitched as the "ultimate country lifestyle", the property is for sale by expressions of interest, closing February 22, 2022.

"Jockwar is a very well-known property in the agricultural industry in SA, especially among the South East livestock industry," said Jesse Manuel of Colliers Agribusiness, who has been engaged to sell Jockwar in conjunction with lifestyle property specialist Dee-Hunt of Williams Luxury.

"Jockwar occupies a prime position on the eastern edge of Lake Alexandrina between Tailem Bend and Meningie and is situated in one of the most tightly-held pockets of country in the district.

"Interest has already been very strong, which we expected given the profile and quality of this property.

"So far, downsizing farmers and pastoralists, as well as city-based professionals, have been very active enquirers and we've also had some good enquiry from interstate buyers and SA expats looking to return from overseas.

"Jockwar has history, lifestyle appeal, luxury and obviously its agricultural component, and to have all of this only an hour and a quarter's drive from the city is very unique."