'The hallmark for future development': Generous blocks of land in Sutton hits the market

Our environmental impact should be at the forefront of everything we do – especially when it comes to land development – and developments like Woodbury Ridge in Sutton are paving the way for how we should be considering large-scale land releases in the future. 

Sitting in an area steeped in history, Woodbury Ridge is an ecologically sensitive development of 66 blocks of land, approved under the NSW Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016. Most of the blocks are between 5000 and 24,500 square metres in size.

The unique place to call home sits in the most tranquil of rural settings and has panoramic views.

“It’s the best land release outside of Canberra in decades,” says agent Andrew Cook of Capital Plus 1 Real Estate.

“The site itself has been in the same family – the Cartwright family – since the 1860s, and is part of a much larger parcel of property called Woodbury.

“It was the vision of the parents to see the land form part of Sutton Village and, after their passing in recent years, that process has come to fruition.”

As part of their legacy, it was important for the family to deliver a development that honoured the land and ensure what is delivered is both ecologically sensitive and of high quality. 

The land’s biodiversity certification was achieved through working with the local council and the NSW government.

“It was identified that the site itself was home to some threatened species so through this process we’ve been able to identify the upfront environmental impact of the development, minimise it and offset that through the creation of stewardship sites,” Cook says. 

Stewardship sites are those set aside for ecological conservation and managed in perpetuity by the landowners for preservation purposes, ensuring their high ecological value is maintained and improved over time. 

“The entire development is 200 hectares in total and we’ve reserved half of it for stewardship sites – three sites 20 hectares in size and one 40 hectares in size,” Cook says. 

“It’s the hallmark for future development, allowing development on land done in an ecologically sensitive matter.”

The remaining 62 blocks are much more straightforward, with options on the hilltop overlooking the stunning countryside, right down to the river.

“[The] building envelopes are up to 2000 square metres in size so you can build your dream home,” Cook says.

“The difference compared to other greenfield estates is that it’s much closer in terms of its proximity to Canberra and to local amenity,” he adds.

“There aren’t many rural sites where you can have all the space you want and you can walk to the local store to get milk or walk your children to school, yet so close to the CBD.

“It’s less than 15 minutes to the Gungahlin town centre and around 20 minutes to the city.

“At Woodbury Ridge, you’re joining an existing village with fantastic social amenities that are only improving, a highly regarded primary and preschool, the best bakery in the Canberra region and beautiful wineries on your doorstep.

“It’s so unique to be able to have a rural lifestyle without sacrifice … and available for a similar price point as what you would pay for a block a 10th of the size in Canberra.” 

If you’re interested in finding out more, an expressions-of-interest campaign is currently running. The first blocks of land are set to be released in September and divided via a ballot process. 

Woodbury Ridge

View property

Price guide: $800,000 +

Private sale

Agent: Capital Plus 1 Real Estate, Andrew Cook 0431 891 519

Feature we love: Rural land that’s only 15 minutes to the nearest town centre but you can still walk to the local shops to get milk or walk the kids to school.