Chat around the Fire
Ferguson Homestead to be sold
After almost 150 years and three generations of Ferguson family ownership, Ferguson Farms, an iconic South Westland cattle beef breeding and finishing property is to be sold.
The historic property, including a 297ha home farm and a separate 68ha support block at Mikonui, has been listed for sale by auction. The sale follows the death of Jim Ferguson at the age of 92 in March.
Jim was the son of George and Irene (Butler) Ferguson and grandson of pioneer Samuel George Ferguson, who settled in South Westland in 1873. The family went on to have a significant impact on the life of the West Coast in a number of spheres.
Jim was one of a family of nine, seven boys and two girls, which included eldest brother Mackley, who went on to found Ferguson Bros in the 1940s, George Ferguson, who settled at Waipuna, and Jack who started retail meat in Hokitika.
At Fergusons Bush, Samuel Ferguson built a large two-story home in the early 1880s which was set up as a licensed hotel with accommodation, known as Ferngrove. The hotel closed its doors in the late 1940s and was eventually replaced by the home on the farm where Jim Ferguson resided until his death.
Consisting of the 297ha (158ha effective) home farm, 68ha Mikonui block and 15ha DOC grazing licence and located at each end of the Fergusons Bush scenic reserve, 40kms south of Hokitika on State Highway 6.
Excellent balance of soil types, pastures and productive capability suitable for most farming systems including dairy support. The home block enjoys a full range of farm infrastructure featuring woolshed, sheep yards, cattle yards, implement/hay sheds and fertiliser bin. The homestead consists of a weatherboard 4 bedroom home with multiple living areas and two bathrooms, set in an elevated aspect. The Mikonui block features a covered fertiliser bin and centrally located cattle yards.
Both properties are offered for sale as a total farm package, however the selling agents do invite enquiries for separate purchase options for the Home or Mikonui titles.
Farms of this scale, contour, infrastructure and potential do not often come to the market. In the current low interest rate environment together with firm commodity returns, there is no better time to secure and invest in a quality land holding.
Auction, unless sold prior, 1.00pm Wednesday 25 November 2020 at Hokitika RSA 22 Sewell Street Hokitika. The property is located at 1253 Hari Hari Highway RD 6, Kakapotahi, and consists of 4 bedrooms 2 bathrooms 1 carparking ID HKR78582. Total land area 297.93ha.
Bruce Smith
