Champion jockey Michelle Payne is preparing to part with her multi-million dollar Ballarat property that she said has played a significant role in her life and career over the past decade.
The Melbourne Cup winning jockey has listed her Nottingham Farm training facility after years of developing it into a working horse-training and lifestyle property.
The move comes as Payne recently announced that she would no longer train alongside her brother, Patrick.
She purchased the property in 2013 with plans to create a training base connected directly to the Ballarat Turf Club.
Payne said the project was inspired by her father, who encouraged her and brother Stevie to develop the site together. They have since transformed the property, adding infrastructure for horse training and accommodation while establishing extensive tree plantings around its boundaries.
The farm has gradually evolved into a fully functioning training complex.
The main residence, where Payne has lived for the past eight years, features three bedrooms, multiple living areas and views across the surrounding paddocks. A separate one-bedroom cabin occupied by Stevie adds further accommodation options, according to realestate.com.au.
”It’s a beautiful, comfortable farmhouse with high ceilings, generous bedrooms and stunning views across the property,” she said.
“It has been a peaceful sanctuary and a place to come home to after busy days travelling and working.”
The property also includes a growing orchard and a range of equine facilities designed to support professional training operations. Among the infrastructure are 16 horse boxes and yards, multiple paddocks, a treadmill, round yard, arena and sand training track.
Despite its peaceful rural setting, the farm remains only minutes from Ballarat, the city where Payne was raised and first discovered her passion for horses.
“The property is very functional, easy to run and has a wonderful feeling about it,” she said.
“Once you’re on the property, it feels like you’ve stepped into a completely different world.”
“I believe it is a great buy for the right owner.”
According to reports, agents hope to secure around $2.8million-$3million for the property.
The 16.2-hectare holding is expected to be offered on a walk-in, walk-out basis and is being marketed as a versatile opportunity for trainers, horse enthusiasts or buyers seeking a lifestyle property with income potential.
Agents expect the property to sell for between $2.8 million and $3 million, with scope for further expansion and additional equine facilities. Payne believes the farm offers a rare combination of functionality, tranquillity and future opportunity for its next owner.
