NESTLED on 165ha (407ac) in the rolling hills of Drake is Oak Hollow.
This iconic property has been owned by the Hynes family since 1868 and will go under the hammer for the first time on March 22.
A quick walk around the homestead and outbuildings reveals an impeccably maintained property, complete with landscaped gardens, machinery sheds and a blacksmith's shop, as well as a maid's quarters and schoolhouse, which have been converted into additional bedrooms.
From the outset, the property has always run beef cattle and over the years it has been subdivided into nine grazing paddocks. Steel cattle yards and nine stock dams are also features.
Oak Hollow is 52km east of Tenterfield, two hours from Byron Bay or a three and a-half hour drive from Brisbane.
At present, the property carries 83 Hereford breeders and their progeny.
But it's preserved pockets of history and period items which set this property apart.
Mike and Di Hynes say Oak Hollow is the ideal place to raise a family.
"It's always been the family home and it's still exactly as it was structurally," Mrs Hynes said.
"It's rare to see so many artefacts all together and such a variety, particularly the saws and in the blacksmith's shed."
Mr Hynes said many of the tools and early horseshoes were all made on the property.
"The blacksmith's shop probably would have been one of the original buildings on Oak Hollow because all the manufacturing was done there," he said.
"Most of the artefacts on the wall at the moment are handmade tools that they used in the shop."
The Hynes hope to see the unique history of Oak Hollow preserved and have worked hard to find homes for some artefacts; however, many will be included as part and parcel of the property sale.
Their advice to future owners is to enjoy Oak Hollow, and the house and gardens are wonderful places to host a party.
Oak Hollow will be auctioned at 10.30am on March 22 on Level 5, Riverside Centre, 123 Eagle Street, Brisbane.
