Around 1880 Thomas Henley (1860 1935), a master builder migrated from Wootton Bassett, Wiltshire, England and settled in the Drummoyne area of Sydney. A highly successful builder & developer, he entered politics in the early 1900s and became the member for Burwood as the United Australia Party (now the Liberal Party) candidate and represented Burwood as the M.L.A. for 25 years. Thomas was knighted after the Great War of 1914 1918. The suburb of Henley in the Hunters Hill area of Sydney was named after him. Sir Thomas bought country around Cowra for his son Herbert and named the property Bassett Downs after his home village in England. Additional country was purchased over the ensuing years to take the total area to over 6,000 acres. The Bassett Downs homestead (now Wiltondale) was completed in 1926 with the construction having taken three years. The construction of reinforced concrete was rare and innovative for its time. Bert Henley ran the property for many years and was the first person to import Dorset Horn sheep into Australia from Sir Thomas homeland. In 1948 3,000 acres including the homestead was purchased by Stanley Chatterton of Chattertons Stores. Chattertons was incorporated into the Woolworths empire with Stanley being Chairman of Directors. The Chattertons renamed the 3,000 acre portion Wiltondale. With various owners since, the current owners have held Wiltondale since 1984.
The primary machinery shed is a four bay (80 x 40) shed with one fully secure workshop bay with concrete floor and 15 amp power connected. Three silos and a hayshed provide ample storage of grain & hay.
A four stand fully electric woolshed is in good order having been used up until recent years. The all steel sheepyards are in excellent condition and could be used immediately. The cattleyards are full steel and include a CIA full vet crush with chin scoop. An equine complex is adjacent to the cattle yards and consists of shed with 6 AI bays. This shed is easily adapted to any other use that requires intensive animal practice. The topography of the property is all gently sloping with a predominantly East to North Easterly aspect. Some superb Lucerne flats are along Binni Creek. Heavy alluvial types along Binni Creek run up to strong red granite soils nearer the homestead. Originally timbered with White & Yellow box with some Blakeleys Red Gum the property now has extensive Kurrajongs throughout with Peppercorns planted as a feature along Wiltondale Lane. Wiltondale is 95% arable with only a small hill and the curtilage surrounding the houses and sheds unavailable. The district is well regarded for growing quality winter cereals and Canola. Improved pastures have been established throughout with good clover established along with various grasses. The water supply on Wiltondale is exceptional with 3 dams, Binni Creek frontage, 2 wells and access to Central Tablelands (Town) water. One main 20,000 gallon concrete tank reticulates well water to ten concrete troughs. The long term average recorded at Cowra is 600mm (24) with records kept at Wiltondale indicating 650mm (26). The property is sub-divided into 8 main paddocks with 3 smaller holding paddocks around the homestead and yards. All fencing is in very good order and is a combination of hingejoint and or netting. The district carrying capacity is 4 5 dse per acre or 100 to 120 cows; alternatively, up to 200 steers could be easily run.