Yes, FreeNAS will get you there. Since versioning is a key requirement you will want to use ZFS. The thing you need for that is a plenty of RAM. It's not just a performance concern. ZFS can be unstable if not fed enough RAM.
So budget for something with a lot of installed RAM on day one, and some room to grow as you add more storage.
Yes, FreeNAS isn't Linux. The simple fact is that Linux has so far failed to achieve parity with other systems, both contemporary and historical, that provide advanced file system features. BTRFS might get there one day. ZFS is persona non grata. LVM can serve some of your expectations, but not all.
So look beyond Linux. In addition to FreeNAS there is proprietary stuff; they still make NetApps and they still work as good as ever. Dell has EqualLogic boxes that will snapshot volumes all day long. If you have the dosh there are all sort of solutions. If you're dosh-challenged then look to FreeNAS.