Janice Firth has watched dozens of families grow up learning to ride horses at her equestrian business.
She has known clients for as up to 25 years, from newlyweds through to the birth of grandchildren.
Ms Firth moved to Australia from the Netherlands in the mid-1990s and needed a job to get a visa.
Starting an equestrian centre was an unusual route, but Ms Firth said that as soon as she stepped onto the property, she knew it was right.
Ms Firth and her husband, Hamish Sinclair, own Freshford Equestrian Centre, at 141 Freshford Road in Tharwa.
"You can see the whole of Tuggeranong, and Black Mountain. We have the Bullen Range as the backdrop. It has everything if you want to live on a property but with all the conveniences of a city on your doorstep," Ms Firth said.
"It is peaceful, tranquil, and practical," she said.
The couple got to work transforming empty land into one of the territory's most successful equestrian centres.
"I have seen people move away and come back, babies born, families change. It is a really special community," Ms Firth said.
Bushfire destroyed much of the property in 2003, and that led to another rebuilding exercise.
After 25 years, it is time for them to retire - and that means selling the business.
They were originally planning to sell the whole 500-hectare property, but will now be subdividing and keeping the house and adjacent apple orchard.
"Our connection to the property and our home is really strong. We don't want to live in the [new neighbours'] pockets," she said.
"But I would not take back any time living here. Life throws a lot of things at you, and being able to come home and look at paddocks and valleys is all you could ever want," Ms Firth said.
Some of the property now up for sale is zoned residential, meaning the owner can build their dream home.
Selling agent Ben Stevenson, of Blackshaw Manuka, said the property will be subdivided by January 2025.
It is 15 minutes from Tuggeranong town centre and eight minutes from Gordon.
"It lends itself really well to a family or ecotourism, along with the equestrian centre," Mr Stevenson said.
The new owner will also inherit the equestrian business, including agistment contracts for about 70 horses, the branding and website.
There is also a stable cat, who lives among the horses and helps to keep rodents at bay.
It is a significant sale for Ms Firth, who has managed the business while working full-time in another job for 21 years.
"It is not about the money. We need to make sure we are handing it over to someone who can look after it," Ms Firth said.
Ideally, the buyers would have equestrian experience and be willing to run the business themselves.
"You can do it part-time, but you do need to keep on top of things," she said.
Mr Stevenson said the quality of interest had risen in recent weeks and potential buyers were "actively looking".
The property is being sold by private treaty for $4 million.
