A slice of France up for grabs in the south-east

A stylish slice of provincial France, including a restaurant, shop and organic farm is set to go under the hammer at Mount Tamborine this month.

Sitting on about four hectares , La Ferme Provencale combines French-style business with self-sufficient farming.

The property is best known for its French-themed restaurant, which is a popular choice for tourists and attracts Francophiles from all over.

Owners Glen and Isabelle Thorpe are selling the 87 Main Western Road property, which includes unique features such as an underground cellar called: The Cave.

French-born Mrs Thorpe, who was an adviser to former  minister for Foreign Affairs Gareth Evans, said the property has been her dream, but it was time to pass the torch.

 “We have truly created something special – it’s a lifestyle business,” she said.

“Not many people get to build and operate something like this.”

It took Mrs Thorpe and her retired Air Force officer husband several years to transform the property and they have successfully run the business for the past three years.

“It was a jungle when we first arrived; it was reverting to scrub,” she said.

“So, although it was an investment, it was also a creation.”

The property is being sold through Peter Gwynne and Joanne Woodbridge of McGrath Estate Agents.

Mr Gwynne said he believed the “little slice of France” would allow a buyer to pursue their passion to create their own distinctive restaurant brand.

“I personally believe this property would be an ideal location for a high-profile chef or somebody wanting to make a real name for themselves,” Mr Gwynne said.

“If not a restaurant, I could easily see it as a cooking school that caters to tourists as well as residents.

“The property is self-sufficient with solar panels and three pristine bores, and the gardens are in full production providing the restaurant with extra-fresh organic produce right onsite.”

Mr Gwynne said the property also featured spacious modern fully equipped staff quarters, three large sheds and farm machinery.

“Two acres have recently been cleared and earmarked for vineyard development while the restaurant build has a stunning underground cellar facility,” he said.

The property also includes: a shop, gallery, avocado orchard, olive grove, citrus trees, farm produce processing facilities, staff accommodation, parking for more than 30 cars and buses, and landscaped Mediterranean gardens.

The property will be offered at auction on Sunday, November 29 at 10am on site.