Founder of Canberra’s iconic farmers market puts his flourishing organic farm on the market

The Capital Region Farmers Market has become a Saturday morning ritual for many Canberrans.

While perusing the aisles of our region’s finest and freshest produce, your senses are ignited by the sounds of chatter among shoppers and farmers and live local music, tempting aromas and indulgent treats.

This experience would not have been made possible if it wasn’t for the farm, Gleann na Meala.

The Pentony family farm is 24-hectare property in Wallaroo on the outskirts of Canberra. It is an ACO Certified Organic farm growing a range of fruit and vegetables.

Patrick Pentony’s father, Dave, founded the Capital Region Farmers Market because there was a lack of fresh food market options in Canberra – and he also had a lot of produce to sell.

“The discussions about the market really began in the loungeroom at home,” said Patrick Pentony.

As the market became successful and production at Gleann na Meala increased, Patrick followed in his father’s footsteps and started the Southside Farmers Markets.

The ever-growing produce from the farm even resulted in Lyneham’s Choku Bai Jo, which was also founded by the family.

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However, after more than 40 years, the Pentony family will be selling up two-thirds of the farm – with 16 hectares currently on the market.

Dave and his wife will be moving to the Canberra city. Patrick and his brothers moved out years ago.

“My father is moving from 60 acres to a 120-square metre unit which is a pretty big change,” said Patrick.

“But because it is such a big change for my father he still needs a place where he can get his hands dirty.”

Patrick said he has mixed feelings about saying goodbye to his childhood home.

“I’ve been out there a bit packing things away and it’s just so beautiful listening to the kookaburras and magpies. It’s sad to let it go but there comes a time when it is just too much work,” he said.

“It’s great to give someone else the opportunity, there’s probably another young family who can have the experiences I had when I was a kid.

“Given we will still be one of their neighbours I hope we get to know whoever purchases it. It will be great to see what they do.”

Gaelic for “Valley of Honey”, Gleann na Meala is an expansive property with plenty of breathtaking rolling pastures. It’s almost hard to believe you are only a 15-minute drive from the Gungahlin Town Centre.

There are two residences on the property, including a recently refurbished charming farm cottage designed by architect Roger Pergrum. It offers magnificent rural views from each room with two generous sized bedrooms, a studio loft, and a cosy living area with slow combustion fire – perfect for the winter months.

The property will be auctioned on site on Saturday, November 3 at 2pm by Ray White Canberra.