TWO reclusive farming brothers have bequeathed their property to the National Trust in the hope that it will be developed into a $2 million tourist drawcard.The "tourist farm" will be opened east of Cobden before Christmas after late bachelors Alex and Peter Nehill donated their 131.5-hectare (325-acre) property to the trust.The planned free-entry hinterland will have a number of rare breeds of farming animals, a relaxing picnic spot and information panels depicting the story of farming practices relative to the area.The Nehill brothers bequeathed their property to the not-for-profit organisation on the condition that a heritage concept be incorporated within five years of acquisition.Peter died more than a decade ago, while Alex died in 2007.National Trust chief executive officer Martin Purslow said the organisation already managed more than 40 properties throughout Victoria and had 21,000 national members.Plans are drawn up for the South Purrumbete property and a project manager has been appointed."Our mission is to inspire the community to appreciate and celebrate its natural heritage," Mr Purslow said.Although he declined to release any more details, Mr Purslow said that before taking over the land there had been a number of legal issues involving residual beneficiaries in the past 18 months.A planning application is yet to be lodged with Corangamite Shire. Neighbour Tommy Buckle was surprised but happy to hear what was proposed for the former Nehill brothers' farm. "It's going to be good for the area, especially the (South Purrumbete) lake and caravan park with more people coming," Mr Buckle said."It will be great seeing the land put to good use and quite fitting for the Nehill brothers because they loved animals." Mr Buckle said the brothers, including a third sibling, Joe, who died many years before, were icons of the area. He said they were famous for breeding world-class black pigs. "None of them were married and they used to work old Clydesdale horses on the land until they lashed out and bought a tractor about 15 years ago," he said.Lake Purrumbete Caravan Park caretaker Marie Jopling said she looked forward to seeing a diverse range of tourists flock to the farm."It's a wonderful gift to the community and wider area from the Nehill brothers," she said."It could possibly be also beneficial for the businesses here too." The farm is currently held in trust and is operating as a sheep and beef grazing enterprise, with any revenue earned being put back into the site."We look forward to being able to fill the requirements of Mr Nehill's will," Mr Purslow said.Elder's Real Estate agent Rob Rickard estimated the South Purrumbete property was worth in the vicinity of $2 million.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
