Historic Hawkesbury River property with 188-year-old cottage on the market

A 30.35ha property on the Hawkesbury River with roots to the First Fleet is on the market after being owned by the same family for 40 years.

Known as Berry Hill, the incredible landholding has 20.23ha of arable farming land, 2km of river frontage and a charming homestead built in 1832.

The Leets Vale cottage was built by the Everingham family after Matthew Everingham was granted the site in 1816 by the Colony of NSW.

His father, also called Matthew, was a convict on the First Fleet after being sentenced to 7 years transportation at age 16 for stealing in London.

Berry Hill has 20.23ha of farming land.

No. 1832 River Road at Leets Vale is now set for a new chapter in the property’s enduring history when it goes to auction on September 19 with Lumby Hampson’s Will Hampson and Kate Lumby.

Set to sell for more than $3 million, the last time it went to auction 40 years ago, businessman Dick Smith was the underbidder.

Hampson said Berry Hill is one of the most unique properties he has come across on the Hawkesbury River.

The country-style kitchen has stone floors.

The property also has 10ha of bushland.

“To get a waterfront parcel with 2km of river frontage and 20ha of cleared arable land is so rare to find out here,” he said.

The lush fields have been used by the current owners for holding cattle and before that were used as an orange orchard. Mr Hampson said not only is the land suitable for horses, but an urban farmer could easily turn the landholding back into an orchard due to the fertile soil.

“This could appeal to someone who wants to have a small farm that could sell produce to local restaurants or at the market,” he said.

The wraparound veranda has sweeping district views.

Character charm of yesteryear can be found inside.

The three-bedroom residence retains plenty of character including decorative ceilings, stone floors and stained windows. Described as the “ultimate lifestyle property”, the estate has elevated river views, a gated boat ramp and a small citrus orchard.

The diverse offering is drawing a cross section of parties from farmers to boating enthusiasts and buyers after a weekender.

“We’ve had people with helicopters and seaplanes also come out and inspect the property,” Hampson said.

Hampson said the coronavirus pandemic is seeing a growing number of buyers look to trade cramped inner city homes for expansive properties like Berry Hill that are still within proximity to the city.

The current owners have lived at the property for 40 years.

A mixed bag of buyers from farmers to those after a weekender have inspected the house.

“People wanting to put lifestyle and family first are increasingly looking to move to areas like Leets Vale where they can still easily access Sydney once or twice a week,” he said.

While the cottage is heritage listed, Mr Hampson said the new owner could build a new residence on the property and use the current one as a guesthouse.

Berry Hill also features 10.11ha of elevated bushland on the other side of River Road, a 300,000L water tank and a county style kitchen.

This article from The Daily Telegraph originally appeared as “Iconic Hawkesbury River property ‘Berry Hill’ with 188 year-old cottage for sale”.