There is truth in the belief that the heart and the beauty of Australia can be found outside the capital cities. And also found here are stories of single families, who over generations, made this country their ancestral home.
For many, the sight of a vast green pastoral property, well wooded and divided by a crystal-clear river is a just a dream. For ancestors of Yaun family, it was indeed just that.
It was 1864 when this Queensland story started with the arrival from Scotland of Eliza, husband David Yaun Snr and four children - a family destined to call the valley their home.
Grandchildren of Eliza and David Snr., brothers Les and Spencer joined in the family sawmilling business and along with their wives Eden and Nancy they put down roots and became active and cherished members of the growing community. The generational home, milled and built by the men of the family was called Chigigum, its broad veranda offering scenic views and a cool breeze. It became a gathering spot for afternoon tea and evening drinks.
Nancy and Eden thrived as hosts and cooks, with each going on to host paying customers as time passed and word of the beauty of the property gained a footing with passing tourists.
The guesthouses did well, as did the sawmill that was now relocated on the property, which made it a bit easier for Nancy as she donned trousers and a work shirt to man the plane saw during the years the men were away at war, and government orders needed filling.
The mill was a successful venture, with many of the houses and public buildings in the area constructed of the Yaun timber products.
In 1944 the unthinkable happened, the mill burned to the ground and the land, the beautiful grazing land came to be more important than ever to the growing families. Dairy cows grazed the fields now, and Nancy and Eden became more commercial with their guest house accommodations and legendary cooking skills. Nancy’s scone recipe was until very recently a tightly held family secret.
Perhaps it was partially that reputation that drew cinema legend Charles Chauvel to the property in ’47, who along with his crew shot many panoramic scenes for the dramatic feature film “Sons of Matthew” right there in the paddocks.
The family property was now a family company, as it remains to this day, long after the aprons were hung up for the last time, and the remains of the mill are hard to find. A lot can happen in 100 years.
What is so very clear now is how the land has continued to thrive under the careful stewardship of the extended Yaun family, a family that has spread its wings and now seeks a new custodian of the rolling pastures of Bonnie Doon.
The 172-hectare property, is split by the Nerang-Murwillumbah road with Lamington National Park on one side and Springbrook National Park on the other.
Peter Yaun, the third generation of the Bonnie Doon family, has loved this land his entire life.
“I grew up on the property,” says Mr Yuan. “It’s a great life for kids. The river and the watering holes was where we spent a lot of time growing up. Swimming and canoeing, and fishing of course. And seeing the cows all over the place, just grazing. All great memories.”
Rob Wildermuth and Peter Douglas of Ray White Rural are handling the property, and believe the new owners will be those looking to live the Australian dream.
“It’s a lifestyle property. It’s just half an hour to the Gold Coast, it’s just 20 minutes to the freeway. “Bonnie Doon” offers a chance for families to give their kids an idyllic escape from the city,” says agent Rob Wildermuth.
And with so many superb vantage points, and unbounded space, this property offers the chance for those with a yen for architecture to build their absolute dream home, while still being an easy commute to the city.
Mr Wildermuth says a manager can look after the stock, so people unfamiliar with the business of farms need not be dissuaded from purchasing. At the same time, with the parcel representing three separate titles, businessmen may see the value in being able to split off titles as needed.
Contact
Rob Wildermuth
0428 222 687
Peter Douglas
0407 172 101
Ray White Rural
Property link: https://raywhiterurallivestock.com.au/properties/rural/qld/numinbah-valley-4211/livestock/2130869
Media contact
Prue Miller
Ray White Media
0402 102 887
