Luxurious Rural Property For Sale Mid North Coast NSW

Authentic Country Bliss On The Macleay River

Australian film industry luminary Sue Mackay is calling time on arguably her greatest production: her luxurious rural property fronting the Macleay River on the Mid North Coast of NSW.

The production manager on a long list of classic Australian films including Mao’s Last Dancer, Praise, Hotel Sorrento, The Black Balloon and The Island of Dr Moreau, Sue and her late husband Alan acquired the 64-hectare property in 2003.

This rural property for sale Mid North Coast NSW comprises multiple residences set on 64 hectares of riverfront land

Taking full advantage of one kilometre of absolute river frontage, they’ve created a unique rural retreat comprising multiple residences and an array of outdoor entertaining areas including an 18-metre infinity pool, cabana, and full-sized croquet lawn.

However, Sue is most proud – and passionate – about what they have achieved outside the built environment. Despite no previous experience in farming, they’ve spent the past 10 years regenerating the land into a rich wildlife sanctuary.

This rural property for sale Mid North Coast NSW takes full advantage of one kilometre of absolute Macleay River frontage

A fenced wildlife corridor has been created connecting the bush, through a gully, including a dam stocked full of fish which leads down to the river. With the assistance of Landcare, they’ve planted more than 1,000 native trees and worked tirelessly towards eradicating lantana and other weeds.

The wildlife population has been nurtured with the addition of various nest boxes and tree hollows around the property. As many as 84 bird species have been recorded, including sea eagles, black swans, pelicans, jabirus and various water birds.

This rural property for sale Mid North Coast NSW boasts a wildlife corridor, dam stocked full of fish, and more than 1,000 native trees

Native wildlife including koalas, kangaroos, wallabies, potoroos, possums, gliders, bandicoots, goannas and echidnas have also found a welcoming home on the property.

But it’s the river – stocked full of jumping mullet and bass – that truly defines the property. “The river is everything about this property. The joy of being able to look out on the river in all its moods; misty mornings; reflections; a welcome nor-easter coming up river on a hot summer’s day. It truly is the source for all life here,” Sue says.

This rural property for sale Mid North Coast NSW is defined by its location on the river, stocked full of jumping mullet and bass

What’s more, an enormous amount of work has been undertaken over the past 10 years on moving the property towards regenerative farming. This has involved improving the soil by using direct drilling to plant; increasing the number of paddocks; and diligently keeping invasive weed species at bay.

Pastures have been improved to high standards and the property now boasts 11 well-fenced paddocks of various sizes, stock lanes, and cattle yards. There’s also a plentiful supply of water for the herd of Black Angus cows from the river, complemented by 130,000 litres of rainwater storage at the main house.

This rural property for sale Mid North Coast NSW includes 11 well-fenced paddocks, stock lanes, cattle yards and plenty of water

“The beautiful home and lovely lifestyle are the icing on the cake to a really special piece of land. It will be wrench to leave for 1,001 reasons,” Sue says.

Perched on the river’s edge, the home is beautifully constructed from rammed earth and features polished concrete floors and recycled timber beams. 

The main house on this rural property for sale Mid North Coast NSW features three bedrooms and open-plan kitchen, dining and living area

Thoughtfully designed with natural air flows and warming fireplaces, the north-facing residence offers three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a study, and open-plan kitchen, dining and living area.

Outdoor entertaining shines here; from the wisteria-covered outdoor dining area and the wrap-around verandas to the championship-sized croquet lawn. Relax poolside and take in the views from the cabana or cool off in the visually-stunning infinity edge swimming pool. Or simply get lost in the spectacular mature garden while being serenaded by the abundant bird life.

This rural property for sale Mid North Coast NSW boasts an outdoor dining area, wrap-around verandas and championship-sized croquet lawn

The main house is complemented by a two-bedroom residence and separate guest accommodation – all joined together by a timber walkway.

Built for Sue's mother, the self-contained residence also features two bathrooms, a study, and an open-plan kitchen, dining and living area; while the guest accommodation contains one bedroom, one bathroom and two bunk beds in the living area.

This rural property for sale Mid North Coast NSW comes with a two-bedroom self-contained residence plus separate guest accommodation

Rounding out this beautiful property, located next door at 952 Gowings Hill Road, is a three-bedroom, two-bathroom home fronting Dungay Creek plus an additional barn ripe for a Hampton-style conversion, potential Airbnb or farm-stay opportunities.

Boasting beautiful, rich alluvial soil, the property has been re-fenced and features troughs, laneways, cattle yards, river water access and a couple of 20,000-litre rainwater storage tanks.

This rural property for sale Mid North Coast NSW also includes the neighbouring property with a three-bedroom, two-bathroom home

Just 20 minutes from Crescent Head beach and 45 minutes to Port Macquarie Airport, this estate is more than a property; it’s an embodiment of luxury living.

Click on the highlighted link for more information on this rural property for sale at 1026 and 952 Gowings Hill Road, Dondingalong, NSW.