Labour of love opens doors for new custodians

A labour of love in the truest sense, Weemala Valley has been tenderly curated for more than three decades by the very people who brought the beautiful estate to life.

Designed and handcrafted by Kristine Napper and her late husband, Norm, the couple took up the challenge to build their own home at 176 Jones Lane, Springrange in 1989, constructing the homestead and series of sheds with a friend.

Now, the estate presents a rare opportunity for a new owner seeking a peaceful, picturesque rural lifestyle, a working farm, or a new commercial prospect.

“There was nothing here when we bought the land, no roads, nothing, just pasture. We designed all the roadways and fencing and got the farm set up, and then we built the house,” Kristine recounts.

“When we first came out here, it was just a ratty old country road, tar over dirt, so it was full of potholes and a big cattle grid.

“We took three months off work on long service leave to build the house and we did a lot by ourselves. We planned it for close to a year before we started building and worked every day, including Sundays, for three months.

“We didn’t want anything fancy, we just wanted a combined lounge-dining room next to the kitchen, a pantry and garage access into the kitchen.

Positioned on a rolling 160 acres, the stunning main residence has been constructed from South Australian limestone, and designed to make the most of the north-facing aspect.

Four bedrooms, a study and two bathrooms are featured, along with multiple living areas, which have high ceilings, welcoming timber flourishes and a cosy fireplace.

Beautiful gardens surround the residence, which also has an alfresco entertaining space, a tennis court and golf practice netting.

The property also serves as a productive agricultural asset, previously supporting a 50-cow stud breeding herd. With fertile granite-based soils, it is supported by vast infrastructure including a large machinery shed, cattle and sheep sheds and extensive water systems.

Kristine said the sale was bittersweet after spending many happy times with family at Weemala Valley, but it was now time for new owners to enjoy the home and property.

“I love the peace, the safety and comfort of being comfortable in your own home. It’s just quiet,” she said. “I used to do the garden. It took a lot of love and a lot of work. I enjoyed it.

“I have decided it’s silly to try and run the house empty, so I’ve decided to sell.”

Windrose Property Principal and Licensed Agent Sam McGregor said the tranquil abode offered a range of rural commercial prospects in the booming tourism region on the fringes of Murrumbateman, including a country retreat, wedding venue or vineyard.

“This is a property that is extremely unique in what it offers. Landholdings of this size and quality so close to Canberra don’t come around very often,” Sam said.

“You do not feel like you’re five minutes from Canberra, you feel like you’re in the middle of nowhere. It’s one of the most beautiful places, one of the most peaceful places I’ve ever been.

“And then there’s the residence – you just don’t see builds like this anymore. It’s big, beautiful and grand, and built with an extremely high level of finish.”

176 Jones Lane, Springrange is for sale by negotiation.

For more information visit here or call Sam McGregor on 0401 097 907.