RURAL RESIDENTIAL

RON and Joan Stokes were feeding cattle on their 120-hectare property near Picton when Sydney developer Bradman Corporation bought a nearby property in order to establish a golf resort.

“We had been farming all of our life, and I said to my wife: `Let’s just sell out and retire’,” he said.

“We were married when we were 20, had five kids and never had a honeymoon. I was getting up at 4am. I’m only 60, but I was worn out.

“I rang ’em up, Bradman came out. Once council approved the subdivision, they bought.”

The Stokes got a handsome price, which they coyly put at more than $1.4 million, but to this day Ron remains amazed at what has happened to the old farm.

Now called Nangarin Vineyard Estate, the $45 million development is a one-off; not quite a gated community, but almost. A single entrance across a protected creek ensures no through traffic.

There are 115 blocks surrounding a vineyard or winding along valley roads, with sections of bushland and all the ridgetops preserved.

Horse trails and walking paths along Stone Quarry Creek are jointly owned by the community. Almost half the development is taken up with the vineyard or community land.

Seventy lots have been sold. Fibre-optic cable has been laid throughout the estate, ensuring high-quality internet access to appeal to telecommuters, people who may need to travel to Sydney or Canberra for their jobs several days a week but can also do much of their work from home.

The developers are keen to point out that once Sydney’s M5 is finished Nangarin will be only one traffic light from the city.

The company’s research shows people are looking for privacy and tranquility, but with all the mod cons.

Under innovative zoning rules at Wollondilly Shire Council, subdivision was being allowed on some farms as long as an agricultural function was also maintained.

The rules have since been rescinded, ensuring that Nangarin Vineyard Estate will remain unique.

A million-dollar working vineyard has been established in two plots on the estate, owned by Bradman but managed by Evans Wines. The first chardonnay grapes are expected next year.

A “no interest until 2002” campaign has seen 26 properties sell for $5.68 million in the first two months this year.

Prices range from $185,000 to $290,000 for land and from $495,000 for a house-and-land package. Blocks vary in size between .4 and 1.1 hectares.

There are caveats on the minimum size and style of homes to ensure a country feel. Building guidelines at the estate were created by Bradman Corporation’s own designers in conjunction with Order Architects’ Kim Crestani.

The zoning means that the flatter agricultural land is taken by the vineyard. Four house-and-land packages, including a design by Prestige Pole Homes, are available and ready to be occupied.

Graheme Kelly, Bradman partner and land operations director, said there had never been a problem with someone wanting to build a small house.

“These are people’s dream homes. They’re not usually first homebuyers.”

Bradman Corporation, after legal action from the famous cricketing family, has agreed to change its name to Bradcorp within the next two years.

Reflecting the views of other developers, Bradman chief executive Peter Brennan said that during housing downturns high-quality estates still sold.

“We are keying into the aspirations people have for a better lifestyle and something better for their family,” Mr Brennan said.

“Our studies show that 7 per cent of people in this area telecommute to some degree. They spend a couple of days in the city and therest in the country.

“We think this trend is increasing. The fibre-optic cable and high-speed internet access is a definite factor in the success of this development. It is city country living.”