Berry's historic Wilson's Stores building sells for $5.3m

The historic Wilson's Stores building in the NSW South Coast town of Berry is now owned by a Sydney couple.

The Sydney husband and wife finalised the purchase of the landmark building in the heart of the village early in March.

Glenn Brandon at Ray White South Coast said the couple run a business in Sydney and already own another property in the area.

"They are looking to further their interests in the Shoalhaven," Mr Brandon said.

"Interest in the historic location was high - as soon as we listed expressions of interest for the property in late November, people started to contact us.

"There was especially strong interest from people who wanted to be owner occupiers, who were keen to be able to use the main building for their own projects."

The iconic landmark mixed commercial premise in the heart of the Berry CBD has eight long-term tenants across a variety of industries including retail, professional suites, hairdressers and beauty, a restaurant with commercial kitchen and a residential unit.

Haven and Space, which features in the main space downstairs and an upstairs area (254 square metres), will be vacating the building but will remain operating from their other Alexandra Street location.

"The couple say they have plans for something new and exciting for the location," Mr Brandon said.

"Apparently, the plans are for something the community will really like.

"It is such a high-profile building in the main street of Berry, a landmark that has stood the test of time. The new owners have not just secured a great commercial property, but a part of Berry's history.

"It will be exciting to see what they do with the beautiful old building...the next chapter in it's already long history."

The new owners will take possession of the property in the new financial year.

The building is 576 square metres on 692.2 square metres of land (.17 acre) and is zoned B2 (local centre), was built by Berry's first mayor (1869), James Wilson in 1892.

James Wilson was originally a punt man on the Back Forest Ferry from Broughton Creek to Numbaa, working for the Berry Estates and went on to become Berry's first mayor in 1869.

Born in 1834 at Derrykeighan, Ireland Wilson came to Australia from London in November 1856 aged 21 on board the Star of Peace arriving in Sydney on February 20, 1857.

On arrival he approached the employment agency Oliver Staines and was subsequently engaged for the Berry Estate as a ferryman.

He traveled to the Shoalhaven on board Berry's schooner, Porpoise and made his own agreement with David Berry.

He was contracted to Berry as an overseer for the operation and repairs of the Back Forest Punt over Broughton Creek across to Numbaa. (a distance 400 yards wide)

He also started his career selling Manchester from suitcases at the Back Forest Wharf from March 1857 until 1860 and eventually built a small store near the ferry.

He formed a partnership with Thomas Morton Richards, solicitor, and had a butcher, pharmacy, general store and also a tannery on Tannery Creek at Broughton Creek, on land leased from Berry.

In 1861 James formed the company Wilson and Co General Storekeepers with a personal friend James Stewart.

He built a store and residence on the corner of Pulman Lane on the now Princes Highway - the first general store in the settlement.

By 1892 he had expanded and built the Wilson's Store building Berry's main street.

He built 'Glenworth', a grand Victorian two-storey house and associated out-buildings on Berry Mountain (c 1880). with its grounds having stunning views over the Berry township, escarpment and beyond to the sea.

Elected the area's first mayor in 1869, he served until 1872 and was again mayor in 1876 -77

He died at Berry on July 22, 1901.