Setting the Scene

In the rolling hills of Gundagai, Kimo Estate stands as a testament to the vision and hard work of David and Emelia Ferguson. This dynamic couple has transformed a traditional family farm into one of Australia’s premier agritourism destinations, welcoming visitors from all over the world to experience the charm and beauty of rural New South Wales. Their story is one of a lot of hard work and a little bit of faith in their plan.

David and Emelia were living in Sunshine Beach, Queensland, with a new young family and a desire to build a future. Their city life wasn’t unfolding as they had hoped. Faced with the prospect of losing the family farm at a really bad time for agricultural land, David and Emelia made the bold decision to return to Gundagai and take up farming to “see how it goes”.

A Rich Legacy

Kimo Estate’s history stretches back to 1832 with many trials and tribulations. Kimo however became a big deal after 1878, when owned by the Robinson family. They turned a run into one of the finest properties in NSW through the turn of the last century. In 1978, David’s parents and grandparents bought the property, continuing to operate it as a working sheep and cattle farm. For decades, the Fergusons maintained the farm, but as the years passed, David’s parents began to contemplate retirement and placed the property on the market.

A Natural Transition?

For David, moving back to the farm felt like coming home. “It’s the happiest I’ve ever been, I feel like I was bred for it” David said when asked about it at the time. His upbringing on the farm meant that the rhythms of rural life were already second nature to him. With a background in photography and property development, he had the skills that could be brought to bare.

Emelia, originally from Hobart, Tasmania, had a different initial experience. Transitioning from the coastal lifestyle of Noosa to the quiet countryside of Gundagai was a significant adjustment. “It was a culture shock,” she admits, swapping “cocktails on Noosa Main Beach to everything shutting at lunchtime on a Saturday”. She grew to love it and has often said to people “it’s the best decision we have made in our adult lives”. Their foray into weddings and accommodation suited Emelia’s background in hospitality and sales, and proved invaluable, as they began to diversify the farm’s operations.

Growing into Kimo Estate

The transformation and concept of Kimo Estate began in 2014, when David and Emelia were sitting on the verandah with David’s parents, discussing how they could supplement the farm’s income. They decided to renovate some of the cottages on the property, turning them into accommodation for visitors. This was the first, baby steps in a journey that would see Kimo Estate evolve into a thriving events venue and agritourism destination that has been seen worldwide.

In October 2015, Kimo Estate hosted its first wedding, marking the beginning of a new chapter. Since then, the estate has become a sought-after location for weddings, with its rustic charm and breathtaking views attracting couples from across the country. The addition of eco-huts in 2017, 2019 and 2020 further cemented Kimo Estate’s reputation as a truly unique getaway, offering guests an immersive experience in the natural beauty of the region.

Challenges and Triumphs

The journey to build Kimo Estate was not without its challenges. Emelia recalls renovating a house with a baby Archie strapped to her back, a vivid illustration of the hands-on approach they’ve taken. The couple has also uncovered fascinating pieces of history during their renovations, such as a photo from 1915 of a local lad heading off to war and graffiti on a wall from the 1920s.

“There’s been tough times through covid and currently navigating the current economic circumstances isn’t great fun either, especially when you are trying to grow!” said David. “The pressures of running your own business requires a lot of attention, then you need to balance out your family life”. Emelia, David and their boys Max and Archie have made a life for themselves in this little part of the Riverina.

Kimo Estate is now recognized as one of Australia’s top wedding venues, even earning a spot on Nouba’s list of the country’s best. The estate has also been featured in prominent publications all over the world, including Fashion Magazines in Europe to Australian Traveller Magazine, highlighting its appeal as a premiere (and romantic) destination.

Looking to the Future

As they look ahead, David and Emelia (and the boys) are excited about the future of Kimo Estate. While they have new projects in the pipeline, their core mission remains unchanged: to reconnect city folk with the land and give them a taste of life on a working farm. “If we do that well, I’ll all be right”.

images: ©Emma johnson photography