Nothing but rolling hills and expansive land to see for miles from this Yass haven

Set on a block of almost 13 idyllic hectares of rolling hills featuring a dam and running creek, when you look out of your kitchen window or relax on your verandah at this Yass haven, you’ll see no other soul in the world for miles.

Chain-O-Ponds Homestead at 1576 Blakney Creek North Road in Yass is rich with country-style features and well-established gardens, says Ray White Rural real estate agent George Southwell.

According to George, the sale of this property will mark the final chapter in a local farming family’s history.

“The farm – which was one of the last remaining large-scale properties left in the area – was sold last month for $1,650,000 to a Sydney buyer by Geoff and Michelle Fountain.

“Now, it’s the homestead which is up for sale. This was separated from the rest of the farm when Geoff took over from his parents Elizabeth and John, but as 94-year-old Elizabeth has made the move to Sydney to be closer to her daughter, it’s time to say goodbye to this huge part of family history,” George said.

Elizabeth and John bought the property in 1969, making the tree-change from Sydney. Initially, they lived in an existing cottage before John built the main homestead with a builder from Yass.

With six teenage children, the Fountains built a large home designed with the family in mind. Incorporating open plan living, a billiard room, three bedrooms and a study, the home is filled with natural light.

Daughter Carolyn says one of the stand-out features is the slate tiles throughout which her father laid himself.

Almost every room features double dark timber framed French doors, and Carolyn explained that this was a calculated choice to ensure they could enjoy the country views.

As the next generation came into the picture, a gable-pitched granny flat housing a loft, living space and bathroom was built next to the homestead to accommodate the growing family.

“Mum taught at the Gunning school and dad, an engineer by trade, ran the farm and was the managing director of Goulburn Wool Scours,” Carolyn said.

As an adult, she often returned to the property.

“If I was ever stressed out from Sydney, a weekend at ‘Chain o Ponds’ would do the trick; it was just so great to visit and go for walks in the bush and enjoy the peace and quiet.

“It was great we had the opportunity to have somewhere like that to take my kids and grandchildren. They loved helping Grandpa in the paddocks, working with the sheep and taking turns on the back of the motorbike.

“We have such fond memories of the kids making rafts on the dam next to the house, taking canoes out and picking fruit from the orchard.

“You hear of city kids who don’t know where milk comes from or for that matter many of the foods that come from farms, they think it comes from the supermarket, so it was special and important they could have that regular exposure to country life on weekends,” she said.

For George Southwell, it’s the light-filled open plan kitchen/dining/living space which is a real stand-out.

“All of this area is kept warm thanks to an impressive fireplace and slow combustion heater, and it connects directly on to a large billiards room,” he said.

It’s also a property that offers complete privacy, well set back from the road and encircled by large established trees.

“Outside is a true country sanctuary, with an orchard, vegetable garden, plenty of space to breathe and a creek running through the garden with beautiful Weeping Willows hanging over the water’s edge,” he said.

Located only 30 minutes from Yass, one hour from Goulburn and 1.5 hours from Canberra, Chain-O-Ponds Homestead offers peaceful, country living at its finest.

To arrange an inspection of Chain-O-Ponds Homestead in Yass, call George Southwell on 0429 838 345 and check out all the other hot listings on Zango.

Original Article published by Lottie Twyford on The RiotACT.