World champ sells dormant volcano rural retreat

Reigning world target crossbow champion Stuart Atkins and his wife Frances are selling their Hume property ahead of a relocation to the UK for their sport.

Those who have made the trip along the Hume Highway, past Yass and Bowning, may be familiar with the hill that sits atop the Hume Highway.

The site is on the market with real estate agents George Southwell and Dominic Johns, of Ray White Rural Canberra and Yass.

“It’s not too often that you get the opportunity to purchase such a landmark, that thousands of people drive past every day,” Southwell said.

“The views are amazing over the Yass Valley to the Brindabellas and beyond, overlooking the centre of our democracy.

“Few people know that a paddock on the property was once a World War 1 rifle range.

“The property has many interesting landforms, it is one of the only opportunities I have heard of to own a dormant volcano.”

Bowning Hill (pictured above) is 150 acres and the adjoining vacant block, Northside (pictured below) is 51 acres, with subdivision consent, subject to final registration. 

The two lots will be sold to facilitate a relocation overseas for the vendors.

Atkins is returning to Germany this month to defend his world title.

“When we first bought the property in 1997, it was just one big block and we’ve created it into a small farm by making five paddocks,” he said.

“We improved the place with removal of weeds and made it quite accessible for the stock.

“It also has an abundant wildlife population too.

“We have sugar gliders, wombats, lizards, birdlife, kangaroos, rock wallabies and wedge tail eagles living on the hill, with echidnas in the garden digging their nests.”

Ray White marketing agent George Southwell said the likely buyer may be an introductory level farmer or a professional seeking a tree-change weekender.

“The Atkins’ have turned a vacant block into a true small farm and Frances has been leading the charge with fine wool production,” he said.

“Her most recent yield was 16.2 micron, which is an awesome achievement with their smaller line of sheep which are easily managed.

“The property includes a single stand shearing shed with covered room for roughly 100 head, however many uses could be adapted by new owners from an outdoor sports destination, suitable family property or even a great property to retire to.”

The Northside site is a blank canvas of bushland country set off the Hume Highway allowing for ease of access to Canberra in just under an hour and Yass in under ten minutes.

Bowning Hill includes a four bedroom and two bathroom home with dual occupancy potential. 

The owners have hosted the annual “Walk the Bowning Hill” charity fundraiser at their property for the past six years.

“The walk has raised $20,000 over six years,” Mrs Atkins said. 

“Locals love walking the hill, which has 360-degree views and on a clear day you can see the Black Mountain Tower in Canberra.

“The home is a four-bedroom PAAL kit home; with the highest point of the house being three metres off the ground.

“We’ve held some great parties on the big covered three-side deck and in the shearing shed.

“The gardens are all set up: mostly natives and some fruit trees.

“We have a beautiful aspect, with stunning views looking down the Murrumbidgee valley and the Brindabellas, but very secluded and serene.

“For winter there’s a beaut wood heater, and during the summer we use the evaporative cooler.”