Horse-lover’s delight in Oakbank offers world of opportunities

News Corp Australia Network

A landmark property in Oakbank is a horse-lover’s dream with its architecturally-designed home, SA’s first indoor equestrian arena, horse paddocks, and a renovated dairy cottage set up for use as an Airbnb.

Known as Oakwood Park Equestrian Centre, 118 Shillabeer Rd, has been listed for sale for the first time in almost 20 years, with a price guide of $3.3m to $3.5m.

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Vendor Anthea Starr, who purchased the property with husband Gavin in 2004, said the rural retreat was ideal for someone looking to take horse-ownership to the next level or someone wanting to explore equine business opportunities.

“When we bought this place it was really run down, so we’ve done a lot to upgrade facilities over the years,” Mrs Starr said.

“That includes building a new house on the dam, which was only finished in 2014, although our first though was to demolish the old cottage but ended up renovating it instead.

“It’s now being used as a bed and breakfast and actually has been quite popular with international visitors from the UK and Singapore.

“We also currently offer agistment and season passes for the arena, which has proven pretty popular as it allows riders to use the hall more often and there’s a lady who runs equine therapy from here as well.”

Spanning across 4.53ha, the property currently maintains full council approval to run up to 21 horses.

It also features a water licence, a 24kW solar system, 10 stables, a hot water wash bay for horses, 14 paddocks and full electric fencing.

Meanwhile, the renovated cottage has a five-star bed and breakfast rating, while the main, two-storey home overlooks an ornamental lake with a feature jetty.

Mrs Starr said she expected much interest in the property from the horse community – not only because of its expansive equine facilities.

She said the property was once a key destination for people looking to train and stable their horses during the Royal Adelaide Show, with the state’s first indoor arena established on site in the late 1960s to support that purpose.

“There’s a fair bit of history connected to this place that I think people appreciate,” Mrs Starr said.

“We loved living here and for us, it’s a sad sale but it is time to move on … and retire.”

Selling agent Georgia Weston, of Raine and Horne Oakbank/Mount Barker, said the property’s history, location and infrastructure made it an attractive offering for horse enthusiasts.

“That and its proximity to the racecourse and the pony club is what’s making this property so attractive to buyers,” she said.

“It’s also only half-an-hour down the road from the city but I think it’ll definitely sell to someone who is heavily involved in the equestrian world.”