`Glass house’ auction ends colourful era: [1 Edition]
Stapleton, John. The Australian; Canberra, A.C.T. [Canberra, A.C.T] 02 Nov 2001: 30.
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Abstract
PROPERTY sales inevitably mark the end of an era for one family and the beginning of an era for another. No more so than at the Owl Head vineyard and Clydesdale horse stud at Mudgee.
The first 10ha section of the now 168ha property was bought by her brother Herbert, universally known as Bert. He was a New York producer of television commercials when he decided he wanted a change of lifestyle. He bought a boat, sailed around the Pacific Islands for a few years, and finally, after different jobs, settled at Mudgee.
The Clydesdale stud became an integral part of the property basically because Bert had a fantasy of riding through the property on a horse and dray, entertaining visitors to his vineyard. The stallion of the stud, Sid, recently won the Bathurst Cup for Clydesdales.
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PROPERTY sales inevitably mark the end of an era for one family and the beginning of an era for another. No more so than at the Owl Head vineyard and Clydesdale horse stud at Mudgee.
Frankie Cadwell, in her day a leading New York advertising figure, acquired the vineyard in sections beginning in 1990. Frankie’s agency, Cadwell Davis and Partners, held the Johnson and Johnson account worldwide for many years. She was also president of theAmerican Advertising Writers Institute.
The first 10ha section of the now 168ha property was bought by her brother Herbert, universally known as Bert. He was a New York producer of television commercials when he decided he wanted a change of lifestyle. He bought a boat, sailed around the Pacific Islands for a few years, and finally, after different jobs, settled at Mudgee.
Bert ran low on funds during the ’90s, contacted his high- profile sister Frankie for help, and they ended up going into partnership.
Bert died in May 1998 and his sister, who is herself unwell, is now divesting herself of foreign interests for estate purposes.
Bert was something of a character.
Present manager of the Owl Head David Nadalini, who has been with the property for many years and helped build the houses on theproperty, is available to stay on as manager depending on the purchaser. He described Bert as “the sort of bloke who if he liked you he liked you, if he didn’t he wouldn’t have a bar of you”.
Bert designed the “glass house”, as the homestead is called. It was built between 1997 and 1999 and based on an American barn design.
As its nickname suggests, it features lots of glass, along with extensive use of white cypress timber. Open plan living areas, vaulted ceilings, a spacious sitting room, a double sided fireplace and the master kitchen are prominent features.
All main rooms open onto spacious four metre wide verandahs and two guest wings have double bedrooms and ensuite bathrooms.
The Clydesdale stud became an integral part of the property basically because Bert had a fantasy of riding through the property on a horse and dray, entertaining visitors to his vineyard. The stallion of the stud, Sid, recently won the Bathurst Cup for Clydesdales.
The property features undulating land with rich red basalt soils ideal for grape production. Thirty one hectares have been developed for wine grapes, with a further 50 hectares available for vineyard production.
The expected price is between $2.5 million and $3.5 million. The Sydney auction is to be held on November 29.