LEETON'S iconic and, indeed, historic Fruitshack has hit the market.
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The 20-hectare citrus farm and vineyard has been listed for sale for the first time by Leeton's Michael and Debbie Ierano, who met at the property nearly 30 years ago.
The Fruitshack, located at Farm 312, 9 Henry Lawson Drive has been operational since 1913, originally as a cattle farm with a paddock of sultanas.
It has been owned by the Ierano family since 1955, becoming well-known in the area for its freshly-squeezed orange juice and hostel for backpackers.
Mr Ierano - the son of former co-owner Luigi - took the reins in 1982 and met his now-wife, California-native Debbie, when she stayed at the Fruitshack hostel in 1993.
Today, the highly-productive 10.28ha citrus farm supplies farmers markets and Berri Juices, winning its Grower of the Year Award in 2019, growing valencia, summer and winter navels, hamlin, benyenda, tangelos and mandarin orange varieties.
The 5.52 hectare vineyard was established in 1974 for the formation of Toorak Winery and, as part of that ongoing partnership, is currently planted for cabernet sauvignon, shiraz, muscat gordo blanco and trebbiano grapes, along with the original sultanas.
A further 3.69 hectares of land is suited to further development, with the property less than 10 minutes from the township of Leeton and 40 minutes to Griffith.
Real estate company CBRE is managing the sale of the property on behalf of the Ieranos, with expressions of interest required by 4pm on November 18.
"Fruitshack Orchard and Vineyard has been a big part of the Ierano family's history over the past 65 years, becoming a highly-productive and well-known farm under their stewardship," CBRE's Boo Harvey said.
"Now, it is being offered for sale for the first time, representing an opportunity to acquire a productive horticultural asset, with the scope for further plantings, and on-farm accommodation just minutes from Leeton.
IN OTHER NEWS:
"We're expecting interest from existing local operators as well as buyers seeking rural lifestyle in close proximity to services."
The property is underpinned by rich red-brown clay loam soils and has guaranteed water supply through 217 Murrumbidgee Irrigation delivery entitlements.
Infrastructure at the property includes a four-bedroom brick veneer home with established gardens, accommodation for seasonal labour, two large machinery and sundry storage sheds.
The incoming buyer will have the opportunity to negotiate the purchase of the plant and equipment.
