The Goulburn district farm, Merrilla finally sells
Retailer Malcolm Webster and his wife, Eileen, have finally sold Merrilla, their 380 hectare rural holding near Goulburn.
It was once part of a 1,000-hectare Chisholm family estate.
With prime agricultural grazing land including 1,200 metres of the Wollondilly River frontage, complete with garden ha-ha wall, Merrilla had been marketed by Christies International as one of the finest heritage homesteads of Southern New South Wales. Although it did not get a mention in G. Nesta Griffiths 1952 bible, Some Southern Homes of New South Wales.
No sale price has been given by agents Ken Jacobs and Bruce Eason, but there were last known $5 million aspirations and Fairfax Media suggest $6 million plus was actually achieved.
The homestead, which includes six double bedrooms, dates in part from 1838 and was restored under the guidance of heritage architect Howard Tanner.
The estate, which also features a guest lodge, a greenhouse, stables and pool, comes with lawns, a tennis court and an ornamental lake.
It was first listed in 2007 with $7 million plus hopes by the Websters with a different acreage.
Merrilla last traded in 2002 when bought from publishing entrepreneur Deke Miskin.
Title Tattle first visited the property in 1995, ahead if it being sold by businessman Michael Darling who had paid $561,659 for the Chisholm family farm in 1984.
One of the seven historic Chisholm family residences in the district, Merrilla had been sold by the Chisholms in 1957 for $162,000.
Architect Howard Tanner who undertook the extensive restoration and renovation over nine years for Darling.
Title Tattle recalls the names of former residents Edith and Alice Chisholm could be found etched in the front window pane.
And the lasting impression of the magnificent matching bunya trees.
