More than 100 people attended the on-site auction on October 6 to witness the sale of the landmark property which last changed hands 30 years ago.

The 70.82 hectare (175 acre) farm on the sought-after Fosterton Loop was under three titles and included 80 acres of alluvial river flats renowned for producing lucerne, corn and  rye grass crops. 

The property boasted more than two kilometres of Williams River frontage, swimming holes, a 30 meg irrigation license, bore license, dam and lagoon, as well as the original home built in the 1920s, offering views of the farm.

Paddy Dillon from Dillon and Sons which handled the sale said the auction result was a significant one for the area.

“It was a pretty special little farm,” he said.

“It was a fairly big sale and it’s very much a price indicator for the area.

“At 175 acres it wasn’t a large scale farm but a lovely property and it shows there’s a very strong market for the right property.”

While the previous owners Keith (Bluey) and Jan Watkins are downsizing, the new owners are involved in thoroughbred breeding.

Mr Dillon said the Dungog Shire was attractive for its proximity to Sydney.

“I have been saying for 30 years that Dungog is the Bowral of the north,” he said. 

“Property is half the price of the Southern highlands and the climate is far better.”