From award-winning wines to celebrity performers from Jimmy Barnes, Kat Ceberano, Tim Rogers and The Black Sorrows – Tallagandra Hill now awaits its next chapter.
Thirty minutes north of Canberra in NSW, vendors David Faulks and Mary McAvoy purchased and moved to the 38 acre property at 1692 Murrumbateman Road, Gundaroo, 10 years ago that has since evolved into a beloved and thriving business.
One that Mr Faulks said “was a bit of a blank canvas” when they arrived.
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The 38 acre block at 1692 Murrumbateman Road, Gundaroo
Tallagandra Hill averages 30 music and 30 private events a year
“We’ve grown it from a really a hobby business to a million dollar a year business, which has remained resilient through all that the world has thrown at us over the last few years including pandemics and other things,” he said.
“We had no experience per se with wine or winemaking, but we were attracted to the property for a number of reasons, one was its location which bridged Canberra and Sydney for us and we have a lot of family including five grandchildren in Canberra.”
Boasting an events hall or function venue, cellar door, three one-bedroom cottages, a four-bedroom residence, vineyard, wine shed, machinery shed and water tanks and dam.
Mr Faulks said its become known and used by music industry as a unique indoor venue.
“We’ve now hosted, 30 music shows a year including people like Jimmy Barnes, Kate Ceberano, the Waifs and Troy Cassar-Daley, Kasey Chambers and a range of others,” he said
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Artists from Jimmy Barnes, Kasey Chambers, Tim Rogers to The Black Sorrows have performed at Tallagandra Hill
“We’re on the map, from that point of view and that has supported our other ventures.
“Whilst the wine is critical to us and we have award-winning wines, the bulk of our revenues actually come from other activities such weddings, events and the accommodation that we have on-site.”
Spending more time in Ireland with Ms McAvoy’s family, the pair have purchased a historical guesthouse with the intention to spend three to four months a year there.
“That’s been driving what we’re doing,” Mr Faulks said.
Now, they are preparing the property for its new owner to operate the business at what Mr Faulks said, “a very low risk for the first couple of years while they get themselves organised and get their feet on the ground.”
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Vendors David Faulks and Mary McAvoy in their vineyard of award-winning wine
The property includes the four-bedroom residence, three cottages, events centre, cellar door and vineyard
Forward bookings and contractors available will be available to transition the business in what Mr Faulks said, “whatever direction they want to take.”
“That’s a really important thing the idea is to make it as stress-free and enjoyable for anyone coming into the place as it can be,” he said.
Listing Agent Chris Dixon of Ray White Canberra said they first launched the property in February 2025 in an expressions of interest campaign, its now relaunched for auction with a new price guide.
“The auction process fits in nicely with operations at Tallagandra Hill, the harvest is going to be taking place shortly and we then run into the winter season where it’s perfect time for transition for a new owner to take the reins,” he said.
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The property boasts an events hall for private events and weddings
Three cottages afford on-site accommodation
Mr Dixon said they have had a range of inquiries including local, interstate and overseas investor interest.
“Predominantly we’ve had interest from those obviously looking to recognise the value in the multifaceted income streams that Tallagandra has, which really has put Tallagandra Hill apart from other vineyards that are for sale currently,” he said.
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Inside the residence
The property is set for auction April 1 guiding $3.2m to $3.5m
“David and Mary, when they first arrived 10 years ago, knew nothing about wine but they’ve created a business now where it is very much resilient to the cycles in the market.
“The strong operational growth that it’s had over the last 10 years, particularly through the trying Covid is a testament that it does have those different avenues of income from on-site accommodation, the music and corporate events and weddings, which could be expanded what’s being run now.”
The property is set for auction April 1 guiding $3.2m to $3.5m.
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