The opportunity to combine a satisfying, healthy lifestyle with potential to earn as much or as little as you nominate from your property is seldom found in this capacity. The picturesque setting of Mount Vincent provides the attractive natural backdrop to this hydroponic farm and residence. Wake up in this comfortable country home to see kangaroos grazing around the surrounding open countryside. Then its just a short commute across the paddocks to your indoor/outdoor workplace. Just imagine all that time you can reclaim to play instead. LIVE Tall stands of mature gum trees surround the 16.26Ha (40ac) lot with the Sugarloaf and Watagan ridges beyond. This is authentic Australian bush as its best. The property is tucked away, accessible via a private 610m long gated driveway, recently upgraded, leading to a guest parking area between the main house and studio/double garage building opposite. An elevated, wide bullnose verandah wraps right around the farm-house style residence. The home has been fully renovated to offer the best of contemporary country living with modern amenities for casual year round comfort. The open plan kitchen and main living area form the generously proportioned heart of the home. Polished floorboards under high raked ceilings with a beautiful window skylight and picture windows create a sense of unbounded space. Vistas of the horizon and long views of the wide open surrounds are framed by several large windows naturally illuminating the interior. The gourmet kitchen is stylish and practical with granite benchtops extending to a breakfast bar. There is an abundance of storage and preparation space plus the family chef will be pleased to know a gas cooktop is in place. The adjacent versatile living space seamlessly extends eastward, out to the fully enclosed, insect-proof verandah. With plenty of space for outdoor furniture, its great for entertaining or alfresco dining. A bonus large hot-tub overlooks the tree lined lower dam, the perfect place to unwind after a working day. Two queen-size bedrooms have nine foot ceilings exaggerating their scale. Stroll straight out onto the verandah from both fully appointed, comfortable retreats. A modern, well planned three-way bathroom opposite ensures all amenities are easily accessible and the adjacent laundry provides plenty of storage. Separate additional accommodation is available in the opposite studio/detached double garage. As an ideal parents/teen retreat, its completely private and independently serviced. There is enough space for a casual sitting area next to a queen bed. For a comfortable stay, features such as an ensuite, built-in cupboards, air conditioning and fan are included. With an easily manageable tiled floor, this versatile space could be used for any number of other purposes. A bullnose verandah protects it from direct sun on two sides while creating a sheltered outdoor area to relax in seclusion.
WORK Just two hours from Sydney, 30 minutes from Newcastle and almost neighbouring the Hunter Vineyards, the farm is strategically located to easily service buyers from these key surrounding areas. The Hinchcliffe Hydroponic enterprise has been in operation for over 25 years during which time it has constantly innovated and evolved in response to ever changing demands. The addition of Mesculin and other salad mixes to their existing whole head varieties was a move made to stay ahead of shifting demand. Over the past 2 years Hinchcliffe Hydroponics have developed a close working relationship with Dutch seed supplier Rijk Zwaan to promote the Salanova Baby Butters in both red and green in cut and washed as well as whole head products. Since launching, an excellent uptake has driven up demand, mainly through the support of their prime purchaser, Harris Farm Markets. Increasing interest is also coming from many local restaurants. There is no doubt about the assured future for Salanova. Another venture with a bright future is their escargot (snails). Capable of producing 30,000 40,000 snails per annum, sold through Hunter Valley snails for processing, Hinchcliffe snails have graced the plates of many local restaurants as well as appearing on Master Chef and exhibited in the Fine Food section of the Sydney Royal Show. There is continuing strong demand for local snails and potential for future expansion. The farm is comprised of .5ha hydroponic NFT system (divided into 3 separate sections) covered by overhead mesh crop protection plus a nursery. Each section has 45,000 growing holes with 2 sections currently under cultivation. A separate 40m x 9m poly covered Greenhouse with 4 roll up sides has 25% currently dedicated to hydroponic basil, a year round crop, plus snail (escargot) pens. There is DA approval for another 2 sheds for future expansion. An office/staff amenities block is air conditioned and provides comfortable place for workers to take a break, plus services required for running a business including a separate phone line. Other improvements on the farm include a five megalitre dam which is fed by a strategically located bioswale, with an electric pump and underground pipeline running from the dam to two 10,000 litre water processing tanks. The sale also includes a wide range of farm equipment, vehicles and trailers, a diesel generator, a forklift and so much more! See the inclusions for a detailed list. PLAY For the equestrians theres three fully fenced paddocks off a double stable. The long driveway provides a safe and easy place for pony or even bike riding. Or for the more adventurous, theres the opportunity to go bush. 15 acres of pristine bush to the rear of the property provides an escape into wilderness. Cross the dam and into another world. Go bush walking or camp with the local roos, wallabies, visiting seasonal birds and much, much more. There is scope for many other activities with wide open spaces, its really up to you, your preferences and imagination to create the best home, work and place to play.
