South Coast farm bursts with opportunity

Heartwood Farm - famous for its exotic finger limes which are on the menu at high end Sydney restaurants Catalina and Monopole - has just hit the market in the lush Rose Valley on the South Coast.

Ray White Double Bay founder Craig Pontey - who has owned a weekender in Gerringong for many years - said the region was the perfect distance from Sydney.

“At 90 minutes by car, you actually feel your blood pressure drop every moment that you get closer to Gerringong. It’s the perfect place for a lifestyle property or weekender and Heartwood Farm has it all. We are expecting huge interest in this unique offering.”

Co-agent Ray White Gerringong sales agent Neil Campbell said the property at 128 Alne Bank Lane, Rose Valley dated back to 1878, when its predominant use was for dairy farming.

”There’s a lot of interest in Gerringong and of course sustainable farming and Heartwood Farm focuses on creating a sustainable environment, with a well advanced native timber forestry project and three orchards of native Australian finger limes,” he said.

Owners Kim and Fiona Manley said there were multiple revenue streams from local dairy agistment, holiday rentals, wedding/event opportunities, finger limes and the hardwood timber project, or simply a magnificent lifestyle property.

“We live in the eastern suburbs but we ended up falling in love with the South Coast. So we bought Heartwood Farm over 10 years ago when our boys were young and they had a rich outdoor childhood here. Dirt bikes, beaches, swimming in dams and getting muddy! We would hit the road after Saturday sport and be here in an hour and a half," Ms Manley said.

“We feel very blessed to have created this life balance for our family and with the sustainable plantations that will be here for many generations to come. I think Heartwood Farm would suit a buyer who is looking for a beautiful lifestyle farm with an appreciation of natives and sustainability. You could also run cattle or horses here too. There really are so many options, but for us the time’s right to downsize, as our sons are older now and we want to travel more. For us, it’s time for another chapter.” Ms Manley said.

After they purchased the property the Manleys partnered with Landcare Australia to plant over 4000 native seedlings, with the help of local school children in Kiama, to restore and regenerate the land around Ooaree Creek which runs through the property and valley.

Ten years ago, the Manleys started their long term sustainable forestry project, planting thousands of native Australian hardwood species, including Red Cedar, Silky Oak and Quandong.

These highly valuable trees now standing over five metres tall are prized by those in construction, furniture industries for their quality beautiful hardwoods.

In 2013 they also planted their first native Finger Lime orchard. The soil and climate were a perfect match for Finger Limes and they have since added two more orchards, always using biodynamic farming methods.

Ms Manley said the farm- which has its own water resources – was spared by the recent fires.

“We were very lucky that’s for sure. Rose Valley is unique , as it’s nestled between the mountains and the sea and has i’s own lush microclimate. It has always been valued by the local dairy farms.”

Over and above the timber plantation, Finger Lime orchards and land regeneration , they have made further capital improvements to the house and property , with a house and deck extension, a tennis court,a rainwater irrigation system for the orchards, additional shed and barn, extensive drainage, rock walling and road works.

The Heartwood Finger Limes are sought after by chefs for their unique flavour and texture. "We have relationships with the chefs from Quay , Cirrus and many others who truly appreciate this unique native fruit and where and how they are grown.

When there is extra fruit we sell at our local farmers market in Kiama. Foodies love them with their unique texture and pop of flavour. Some are zingy lime and others like grapefruit.They are known as the caviar of the citrus world.”

The harvest normally runs from January to June, with an opportunity to export overseas frozen fruit.