117 Hassell Avenue

Kendenup is a small rural town in the farming community of WA's Great Southern region, within the Shire of Plantagenet. It is known for its interesting history (c 1831), excellent wineries, proximity to and views of the Stirling Range, with its magnificent vistas of rolling mountains and jagged peaks, and the Porongurup Range.

Kendenup properties have boomed over the last few years and, in my opinion, will continue to increase in value over the next few years because of affordability and location. Kendenup is 22 km (only a 16-minute drive) north of Mt Barker - and less than an hour's drive from Albany. Vacant land in Albany is near impossible to find and expensive, especially if you want to build. Mt Barker experienced the next boom because of its affordability and proximity to Albany, but prices are now considerably higher than before, so Kendenup is naturally coming into its own.

Smart investors know they can't go wrong. If you have money in the bank and are earning a pitiful amount of interest, it definitely makes sense to invest in affordable land in a good position. If you never build, at least you know you'll make a profit by holding onto it. Kendenup is still affordable, and if you put up a portable, modular home, you can avoid paying high rentals and OWN your home. A 2x1 removable, modular home was on this property before.

Google's comparison might not be 100% accurate, but it estimates that a 1,000 sqm block in Albany can go up to $450,000 and in Mt Barker to $220,000 if you can find one. This block is an extra 16-minute drive from Mt Barker and a lot less than that. The difference could probably pay for a small, modular home. Plant your own veges, fruit trees, etc. and improve your own property.

There are many more positives to the Kendenup area beyond affordable land.

The area boasts unique wildlife and fantastic walks, with prolific wildflowers from September through to January, some of which are visible year-round. It's not far from the south coast, and with the two nearby ranges, the nights cool down nicely in summer. Winter can be coolish seldom below 2 to 5 degrees at night, so it enjoys a moderate climate. Autumn and spring are particularly delightful, with very temperate weather usually lows around 12 and warm days of 25 degrees, while occasional showers ensure the countryside is green and picturesque most of the year.

It derives its name from "Kendenup", the Hassell family's homestead, built in 1839. Gold was discovered here in 1872, but not in sufficient quantities to sustain a durable mining operation.

The Great Southern Railway (established in 1889) runs through the town and remains one of the line's original stations. A dehydrating factory was established to pack farm produce for the community. A primary school was built circa 1921, and a local store, Ridge Brothers (c. 1926), now called The Two Black Sheep General Store on Hassel Avenue, with groceries, a bottle shop, dine-in facilities, and a café (great burgers). The town hall followed in c. 1934 on Hassell Ave (now used for markets and functions), and other community facilities were added.

The old farming culture featured large apple-growing orchards, wheat and sheep farming, but it now mainly consists of various grain production, sheep and cattle, and grapes for wines and export. The Gilberts and Arcadia Wineries are close by, while many other excellent wineries can be found in and around the area and between the ranges.

The main street, Hassell Avenue, is opposite the railway line, and this R5 mixed zone block is roughly 800mor a leisurely 10-minute walk to the Two Black Sheep General Store. It's also close to the Kendenup Country Club, with a golf course, bar and restaurant, and tennis courts. This is the town's social place, and it's conveniently situated only 1.6 km away, a 3-minute drive/10-minute walk from this block. I'm sure it comes in handy at times.

The block is a generous, fenced, almost-level, cleared block of 1,012 m2. The dimensions are approximately 20.1m at the front and back, and 50.3m deep, leaving you plenty of space to design a lovely home, a shed, and gardens. An old lean-to sits at the back boundary.

Water and electrical connections are available, and you'll need a septic system if you build a home. No building time limits apply. Please contact the Shire of Plantagenet for building regulations. Rates and taxes are approximately $1,500 per year, and water service charges are roughly $300 per year.

At Offers Above $120,000, this block should be considered if you'd like to own a property in a reasonably moderate climate, close to two of the most spectacular mountain ranges in WA - and close to Mt Barker and Albany, which have all the facilities you could possibly need. If you've been looking for a great investment, somewhere affordable to retire, or dream of building your own home with fruit trees, veges and a decent shed, here's your golden opportunity. Act now before it's snapped up!