Perivale Farm

A rare opportunity presents itself to secure one of the South West’s historic farming properties with the offering of ‘Perivale’. Totalling 680 acres (275 hectares), comprised of five lots, a substantial holding of this size is now very scarce in this sought after high rainfall district. Three of the five lots are zoned ‘Priority Agriculture’ with these 452 acres (183 hectares), having a rich history of horticultural and beef production.

The jewel of the property is the South Branch of the Capel River that runs through the three priority agriculture lots with each adjoining State forest where the iconic and increasingly popular ‘Munda Biddi’ cycle trail runs along the Western boundaries – a tourism opportunity?

‘Perivale’ was founded in 1928 by the current owner’s grandfather who cleared the virgin bush and planted the first apple trees with the property prospering and growing significantly over the last 89 years. ‘Perivale’ is located 15km from the thriving South West town of Donnybrook in the picturesque Shire of Donnybrook-Balingup.

The main enterprise of the farm continues to be apples with the orchards containing some 20,000 intensively planted apple and pear trees including a large proportion of the WA bred and world famous Pink Lady™ apple. Less than 6% of the total farm area is utilised for that enterprise with the current owners willing to remove the orchards at their cost if a new owner has no interest in fruit production. That action would give a new owner a clean canvas to create their agricultural masterpiece on some of the most fertile and highly productive land in Western Australia.

In addition to apples, pears and beef cattle, the land has produced numerous other horticultural crops over the decades including; potatoes, pumpkins, sweet corn, watermelon and tomatoes. A detailed soil and water capability report is available for prospective purchasers confirming Perivale’s highly productive capacity. The pastured land has a developed clover/ryegrass base and regularly produces heavy crops of quality hay on the fertile river soils. Fencing on the property is of a high standard with most boundary and orchard fences kangaroo proof.

The orchard enterprise is currently watered by three large interconnected dams with a large commercial bore as backup. All three dams and the bore have ten year water licenses issued by the Department of Water so legal security is assured. The orchard reticulation system is diesel powered and pressurises a combination of highly efficient drip and mini sprinkler trickle irrigation systems.

Built infrastructure is in good sound condition and includes a quality manager’s residence with numerous farm buildings including four cold stores, large packhouse and covered loading area plus machinery sheds and workshop. Adjoining all of this infrastructure, is some 3,000 – 4,000 sq metres of sealed hotmix bitumen.

‘Perivale’ represents good value and numerous options for the astute buyer, be it a continuation of the fruit production or other crops such as avocadoes or wine grapes. Beef, dairy and numerous other horticultural crops are all possible – the opportunities are only limited by vision.