Raise a glass to Southern Highland luxe

THE finest private garden estate in the Southern Highlands has been listed by Ray White Bowral Director Michael Maloney.

The estate and vineyard, 5th Chapter Estate, owned by Sydneysider Roy Manassen and his wife Cindy, has a $10 million price guide.

Well known in the area for its lush rolling country, the 40ha estate at 217 Walkers Lane, Avoca has an amazing garden comprising of 500m camellia hedge, extraordinary parterre garden, Japanese garden, and meandering pathway through a variety of exotic trees and hedges.

Nurtured by a great team, the garden shines in every season for its tulips, azaleas, rhododendrons and cherry tree walk which provide a wonderful show in spring and a splash of vivid colour in autumn.

Mr Maloney said the property included approximately 4ha of grape vines, eight dams, two bores, winery, cellar door, tennis court and farm shedding. In addition to the eight bedroom house, there’s also a manager's three bedroom cottage with arguably the most beautiful weeping cherry tree in the Highlands at the entrance.

The Manassens have owned their impressive estate since 1998.

Soon after they bought the property, Mrs Manassen enrolled herself in a viticulture course and the estate now boasts some fine Pinot Noir,Shiraz and Sauvignon Blanc which are sold at the cellar door.

“Cindy makes great wine,” says Mr Manassen, who sold Manassen Foods in 2011 to Shanghai-based Bright Foods.

“The garden was a joint project but I probably drove it. Dad was very proud of his new Scott Bonner lawn mower which he kindly let me use when I was a teenager! Not sure why that stuck but must have been the smell of grass that spawned an interest in gardens later on.

“Gardens in France and England were the inspiration. We created the estate together with Peter Hastings, a local horticulturist who worked with us until 2013. He was a lot more than a horticulturalist. He was a natural.

“A bronze statue stands proud [created by Lea Ferris] to recognise his incredible contribution,” Mr Manassen said.

"Once I wanted to put in a chess board in the where the Japanese garden is. He disagreed and we compromised. We did what he wanted. Same with the cottage garden. That’s what I wanted. And he said no. We need something different. Peter got his way and created a beautiful manicured topiary instead. Let people do what they do best.”

“He inspired both Cindy and I,” Mr Manassen said. “We couldn’t stop. John and Karen Deer [both horticulturalists] have continued the caring tradition for the past six years.”

The Manassens have their seven grandchildren and “time is the enemy so have decided to sell”.

“While we love the Southern Highlands, it’s time for a new family to cherish the 5th Chapter and create their own memories there."

Mr Maloney said there had been “steady interest” in the estate which he called “simply extraordinary”.

There is no doubt that the market is strong and there’s some serious money coming into the district right now.

“The smart money is moving to the Southern Highlands,” said Mr Maloney, who in fact sold the property to the Manassens 21 years ago.

The double brick home is magnificently built on two levels with high ceilings throughout, including a stunning conservatory and fireplace.

Other features include a grand foyer, a timber beamed games room and bar with another huge open fire.

Eight bedrooms and nine bathrooms with the master suite opening to a wide balcony.