Brittle Jacks Chestnut Farm

Brittle Jacks Chestnut Farm is owned by David and Margaret Ogilvy and was established in 1973, initially growing berries and stone fruit with chestnuts being their long-term plan.

Our first chestnut trees were planted in 1976 and gradually increased to about 500. In those days you could not buy grafted trees of a known variety so we grew seedlings and obtained grafting material mainly from Victoria and southern NSW.

Our property straddles the Mullion Range at an altitude of approximately 1000 metres and not all varieties were suited to our soil and climate. Over time we obtained some excellent imported varieties such as Bouche de Betizac from France and De Coppi Marone from Italy, the latter is arguably the best roasting chestnut in the world.

Over the years we have sold many tonnes to Brisbane and Sydney wholesale markets as well as maintaining a pick-your-own trade with a picnic area available for visiting groups. Our eight varieties range from early to late ripening and relevant information is available on best use for which purpose and the trees are numbered accordingly.

The season usually commences in mid-March and runs till about the end of April. During that time we are open for pick-your-own (nuts fall to the ground) and shed sales from 9.30am Thursday to Monday, closed Tuesday & Wednesday.

Our oldest chestnut tree with its splendid canopy has its own name ‘La Castanea de Cento Persone’ because we once had more than 100 people beneath it for a photograph.

Chestnuts are best when fresh and to pick your own from beneath such magnificent trees on a farm with some quite interesting native flora and fauna and spectacular views is an experience not easily forgotten.