149 Darby Road, Paechtown SA 5245

This exceptional property at 149 Darby Road, Paechtown, spans approximately 45.9 hectares (114.75 acres) nestled within the stunning Adelaide Hills, offering a truly unique equestrian lifestyle and investment opportunity. Featuring a historic stone homestead dating back to 1846, the residence boasts original period authenticity and character across three levels, including four bedrooms, a study, and multiple living areas. The home features an entertainer's balcony that overlooks a distinctive lake, complemented by expansive lawns ideal for events such as weddings, and even includes a floodlit Supagrass tennis court.

The estate is well-established as a horse stud, training, and agistment property, renowned for its professionally managed productive pastures that provide self-sufficiency for hay production, commonly yielding 300 pasture rolls per season. The property contains significant equestrian infrastructure including fencing to 40 paddocks of varying sizes, one of South Australia's largest all-weather arenas measuring 80 meters by 60 meters, a covered round yard, and multiple heritage and modern barns and stables. These include a heritage barn with a staff kitchen, an original stone stable barn with timber feeders, a stone barn adjacent to the house with six stalls requiring some repair, and a large stable block with seven stables, previously used for yearling preparation and foaling in good condition. Additional facilities include four hay and implement sheds, a large 18m x 12m workshop, eight looseboxes, eight paddock shelters, and an equestrian wash bay.

The property regularly accommodates about 50 horses on agistment but can support up to 60 horses with the use of two spelling paddocks managing 15 to 20 horses each. The average current agistment charge per horse is $65 per week. The estate benefits from a substantial water license of 66 megaliters, featuring a fully equipped dam and bore. A unique stone cased well within the home, highlighted by floodlights, adds to the property’s character and utility.

Strategically located just 32 minutes from the Adelaide CBD, and minutes from the charming Adelaide Hills towns of Hahndorf, Mount Barker, and Echunga, this property offers a peaceful retreat with privacy and outstanding country views. The combination of heritage charm, extensive infrastructure, and natural beauty presents an extraordinary chance to create your ideal equestrian masterpiece, private country estate, or potentially a tourism venture. While some upgrades and repairs are required, the fundamental elements are in place, ready for transformation and enhancement.

The property's historical market context includes a last sale in April 2014 for $3,000,000 and recent market appraisals suggesting a value range from $4 million to $4.8 million, contingent on investment to restore and improve certain features. Council rates for 2024/25 are $3,525 per annum.

For additional insights, detailed videos of the property and infrastructure are available online. This listing represents a rare opportunity to secure a prestigious lifestyle property in one of South Australia's most sought-after rural locations.