Your escape to the country and slice of 'black gold'

Australian truffles have been establishing a brand reputation internationally with their southern hemisphere counter-seasonality helping ensure gourmands can enjoy these prized delicacies throughout the year.

One barrier to entry is often the length of time it can take to develop viable truffle production through the need to provide a mature oak or hazelnut tree host.

That hard work has been completed at ‘Tarago Truffles’ in the Southern Tablelands of NSW, where the “black gold” has been growing on 18.4 hectares since 2002 and now comprises 4300 trees over two trufferies.Peggy McAlister of Raine & Horne Bateman’s Bay says this is an exciting business venture for someone with the imagination to take this solid foundation to the next level.

Photo: Bryan O’Brien

“It would ideally suit a person or couple looking for a lifestyle change that comes with a ready-made business,” McAlister says.

“Equally, an entrepreneur with experience in the hospitality or tourism sector would recognise the potential of this property and the business.”McAlister says current zoning allows for the development of farm stay-style accommodation to promote the tourism potential of the business.

“This side of the business has a huge capacity to run a bed and breakfast-style farm stay along with truffle hunts organised for the guests,” she says.

There’s also an option to buy the entire property, including a three-bedroom dwelling, and a further 73.2 hectares, all under an hour from Canberra.

TARAGO

173 Willandra Lane

$2.2 million

Private sale

Agent: Raine&Horne Batemans Bay, Peggy McAlister 0401 481 192