Set on 77.92 hectares (192.54 acres) of lush pastureland in the picturesque Toolijooa valley between Gerringong and Berry, Fairview was established in the late 1800s as a dairy farm by the Sharpe family, who continued to farm the land over several generations until it was acquired by the current owners in 2010.

Under the care of the current owners, the land and homestead have been extensively restored and upgraded and the property is now fully operational as a modern-day working beef cattle farm, running 100 breeding Angus cattle.

The charming three-bedroom homestead, built in 1920, enjoys 360 degree views over the verdant valley and has been fully restored while maintaining its original features, including ornate plaster ceilings and extensive decorative timber work. Modernisations have included replacement of the iron roof, upgrading of all electrical work and plumbing, a new kitchen and bathroom and replastering of all internal walls.

From the front terrace, the front door opens to a traditional central hallway. There are three bedrooms plus an office with external entrance and a utility room. The main bathroom features a full bath and separate shower and there is an additional powder room. The combined living and dining room has French doors leading to the terrace, while the kitchen opens to the rear verandah and outdoor entertaining area. There is also a laundry with additional lavatory and washbasin.

The house is surrounded by established trees and cottage gardens, while raised vegetable beds ensure a daily supply of fresh produce.

The property has frontage to three sealed public roads, while an all-weather internal road has been installed from the entry off Sharpes Lane to the homestead.

The farm is maintained to meet Organic’ status and is accredited as an operating beef supply farm under the National Livestock Production Assurance Scheme.

Water is supplied by rainwater tanks and two spring water bores and there is also a natural water course flowing through the property.

Facilities on the property include new paddock fencing, cattle yards, three substantial farm sheds with concrete floors and power connected and an original dairy building that has both power and water connected.

The current Kiama Council LEP would permit the property to be subdivided into two parcels. Current planning policies permit the building of a second residence on the property as it is, while subdivision approval would increase this to a total of four dwellings across two parcels. Subject to council approval, application could also be made to increase the number of dwellings to operate short term holiday rental or farm stay style accommodation.
This was our first time running a rural property, says one of the owners. It’s been a real learning curve but also fun. We’ve made improvements to everything and the property is now at a level where someone can just move in and run it. All the hard work has been done and it’s very clean and manageable. Even if someone didn’t want to run the property themselves, they could agist the land out to other people.

We’ve absolutely loved it here and won’t be moving out of the area. The Toolijooa valley is just magnificent, we’re close to beaches and love to explore the beautiful hinterland behind Berry. This region is getting better and better with all the wineries and new restaurants. You can live in a beautiful rural environment but be so close to everything, with Gerringong, Kiama and Berry all within an easy drive.