This article is from the Australian Property Journal archive
THE Riethmuller family of Wagga Wagga is bidding a bittersweet farewell to their home of 15 years, Belisi Farmstay Cottage and Belisi Wellbeing and Equestrian Centre.
LAWD director Tim Corcoran marketed the 46-acre property on a walk in, walk out basis with an asking price of $3.4 million.
Belisi features a renovated five-bedroom homestead with an in-ground swimming pool, and derives income from a luxury farmstay accommodation and a fully equipped riding school and community wellness hub.
Vendor Jenni Riethmuller and her family bought the property in 2007.
“It was largely a blank canvas surrounded by working farms – there was a small home, shed and cattle yards and the land was split into two big paddocks. Over the years we renovated and expanded the homestead, built two sand arenas, multipurpose yards and the fully accessible equestrian centre, and converted shipping containers into a luxury farmstay,” Jenni said.
More than 1,000 trees have been planted in that time, and the property fenced into 22 main paddocks.
In 2012, their riding coach suggested the farm would make an ideal place for a riding school. By 2018 the Riethmullers had become aware of how equine therapy could improve the well-being of people living with mental and physical challenges, and the advent of the National Disability Insurance Scheme made the Belisi program financially accessible for more people.
Clients engage in a range of programs including equine-assisted therapy, yoga, meditation and art classes, as well as riding lessons catering to all abilities.
“Our 15 school horses, which range from a pony to a Clydesdale-Cob cross, were also remarkable in taking care of the clients. They all have beautiful temperaments and stay in constant training to ensure they’re fit and healthy.”
The name ‘Belisi’ means ‘peaceful man’ in Tok Pisin, one of Papua New Guinea’s national languages, and commemorates Jenni’s parents’ love of the country.
The accommodation provides views looking down the valley of the Murrumbidgee River. Occupancy rates run at around 95% and there is Council approval to build an additional three cottages.
“When COVID-19 put a stop to overseas travel, many people chose to explore regional areas, which was lovely for us. Most of our visitors are either repeat customers or have heard about us from social media or by word of mouth,” Riethmuller said.
The Riethmullers will be moving to the South Coast to be closer to family.
