This article is from the October 2020 Horse Deals magazine.
Dales Park is the ultimate boutique equestrian lifestyle property located on the beautiful Sunshine Coast in Queensland. This absolutely immaculate facility is just 15 minutes from the coastline, offering the ideal location of both coastal and hinterland, which was a key influence in the owners’ purchase. The aesthetically pleasing ten-acre property was purchased by Anthony and Sandy McDonald as a place to retire to, however today, the property is leased by Simon Fielder, resident horse trainer. Simon runs a specialised equestrian business, specialising in horsemanship, early foundation, starting under saddle and rehabilitation.
The property features an Olympic-sized dressage arena (60x20m), a custom-built stable with seven indoor 4x4m stables with two outdoor yards, five day paddocks equipped with their own shelters, a large spelling paddock, client tack rooms and a large wash bay with hot and cold water facilities. Besides the initial superficial aesthetic attraction, the property has a well-constructed layout, which is a product of extensive civil earthworks. The design operates to create a storm drainage system to prevent flooding and ensure the property stays functional, even in the wet. This eco and environmentally friendly facility features three dams, with the main central dam the irrigation hub of the property. The manure is collected and used in the gardens as a natural weed mat with a stable BioCycle installed for the laundry and toilet facilities that run off rainwater tanks, which feeds back to irrigating the gardens.
As for future plans for Dales Park, Anthony would like to relocate to the facility part-time and breed racehorses. With the potential notion of Thoroughbreds, expansions of existing infrastructure such as a swim and walker will be in the works.
Photos & article: Ashley Grant.
Welcome to pure luxury. The entrance to Dales Park features dark electric gates, contrasting with the sandstone feature walls.
The main residence has four bedrooms and four bathrooms with pool and five car spaces.
Upon purchase, the property was enriched with greenery. However, Anthony has added an additional 350+ lilly pillies around the property ensuring privacy and adding to the eco feel.
The front entrance to the stable block is tall, sliding wooden doors.
The stable features seven boxes that are 4x4m, each with its own rug rack.
The stables were custom built, with a wider walkway and three large chandeliers incorporated into the design.
The boxes are bedded with deep wood shavings.
The large wash bay is lined with rubber and has both hot and cold-water facilities with overhead hose boom.
Cody clearly enjoys the adjoining yards.
Two of the stables feature outdoor day yards that have been designed and created as foaling yards.
Diesel soaking up the Sunshine Coast sun.
The feed room is located in the stable block, and is spacious enough for a few bales of hay, Simon’s many supplements and built in storage boxes for hard feeds.
Halters, ropes and bridles hang neatly on hooks in the tack room.
Resident stable manager, Boo keeping watch.
Helmets stored neatly on white shelving.
The ever-present coffee station, ideal for keeping visitors happy.
Detailed horse hooks can be found all around the stables, adding a personalised touch to the property.
The stables open out to the Olympic-sized arena.
The arena is constructed by hardwood post and treated pine rail which is oiled regularly. The arena gate is a manual roller gate and is easy to operate from horseback if desired.
The main residence’s outdoor entertaining area looks over the equestrian facilities.
The slight undulation of the property gives stunning views in every direction. The arena features a sprinkler irrigation system, that is pumped from the centre dam.
A John Deere Gator, complete with trailer, is the ultimate mode of transport for getting around the property, especially at feed time.
The five day paddocks are structurally solid with hardwood fencing rails. Each paddock features their own outdoor shelter. The shelters are open on all sides for airflow in the balmy Queensland climate.
In the centre of the property is one of three dams. This central dam is used for irrigation.
The dam looks a little more like a garden pond with water lilies decorating the surface.
A place to stop and enjoy the scenery. The central dam features outdoor seating with the best view on the property.
Beautiful white rose bushes feature at the entrance to the property and can also be found around sections of the dam.
The calm and natural environment is perfect for young horses to learn to stand at the tree swivel tie.
The irrigation sprinkler used to keep the property so green, connects to piping that pumps from the dam.
The lush hedges and abundance of trees keep this property as a hidden gem.
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