Following on from earlier ownership soon after settlement of Oakbank, John Disher Johnson bought the property in 1897 and sold Liberton to Hubert Shillabeer in 1923, whereby the Shillabeer family has had continuous ownership over three generations for 88 years.
Liberton is an iconic property with indelible links to the area through James William Johnston and Andrew Gailbrath Johnston, who were brewers with many business pursuits. They also owned and surveyed the original townships of Oakbank and Woodside. The property is situated just a short canter from the Oakbank Race Course. Furthermore, strong links to the Oakbank Racing Club, through the late HH Shillabeer, a committeeman for 40 years and his late son Keith Shillabeer, also a committee member for 34 years – 17 years as Chairman.
Liberton (currently owned by grandson Neil Shillabeer) offers some of the best country in the district with its rich sandy loam soils, the picturesque Western Branch Creek meandering through the property and stately gums and mature English trees including Oaks and Poplars around the shedding complex.
The bore is quoted as originally tested at 8,000 gallons per hour capacity at approximately 1,400 parts per million. The bore is quoted as delivering farm water via a 2″ poly pipe to the 20,000 gallon cement header tank equipped at approximately 1,200 to 1,500 gallons per hour and there is also a 22,000 litre poly tank – both tanks serving the farm. The homestead runs on rainwater and the outside toilet on farm water.
The main dam is situated above the shedding complex. The shedding complex is quite extensive, with the hay shed measuring 17.5m x 7.7m, shearing shed 21m x 6m, workshop machinery shed 9m x 22m and 3 overall shed areas 56′x25′, 80′x30′, 80′x12′ (see further details). Light and power is found throughout most of the complex and also 3 phase power – all extended from a massive power board (some currently disconnected) – all supplied from a massive 600 amp transformer.
The homestead was built in the late 1800′s and was substantially updated and built onto in the period 1926 – 1928. A culmination of high gabled roofing, majestic chimneys, high ceilings and French doors opening onto the verandah. There is colonial style tiling on the verandah with the added distinctive feature of white marble stairs from the visitor garden and grounds entrance up to the front door. The entrance hallway also features ornate timber panelling, ornate cornicing, ceiling roses and hallway arch.
The homestead offers approximately 35 squares of living and approximately 50 squares under the main roof and is currently disposed as the utility entrance, separate laundry, store room, sunroom, four double sized bedrooms, plus study or fifth bedroom, kitchen/meals area, family entertainment area with built in bar, (the cellar is situated underneath this room and is accessed from the verandah) formal dining and formal lounge (both with operational open fire places) – the lounge open fire place has a slow combustion log fire installed.
The old garage complex provides sufficient area for two cars plus workshop and was also formally used for residential purposes; there is also an attached undercover lean to. The mature garden and grounds offer a diversity of shrubs, Hawthorn trees, Bottle Brush, Liquid Amber and Ash Trees. Another real highlight is the heritage style outside water closet, which features high gable roof and hand carved bargeboard.
Today, your opportunity to acquire a property of immense historical standing, character and charm. An all embracing property offering the once in a lifetime opportunity to certainly enhance the capital value (forever), in what is arguably the best near-city rural address in Oakbank – just 30 minutes to the city and 45 minutes to Adelaide International Airport.
**Further option: 2nd home on adjoining 5.5 acre title also available (only for the sale of Liberton) for $750,000 combined consideration $3.28-$3.43 Million Dollars**
CHRIS WESTON 8388 4002 – RLA173455