Drop down a gear and slip into a world of natural beauty and serenity just twenty minutes from the Adelaide CBD. Nestled in a secret hillside setting with stunning outlooks to Mt Barker and beyond, this captivating four-bedroom stone home is an 1850s Hills original on a manageable half acre.

Historically significant as the gardeners cottage to Shurdington (house), the original four-room dwelling has been twice extended; once shortly after it was built and, again, in the eighties under the auspices of the National Trust. The result is a convincing, well-proportioned house, sensitive to its heritage while providing fantastic living and entertaining options to suit the needs of the modern family.

These are manifest in the new wings open-plan living area where a fabulous New Zealand hardwood kitchen offers plenty of stylish storage solutions and metres of bench space. Saut, grill and roast to perfection with the aid of high quality stainless steel appliances including two Miele ovens and enjoy handy access to the wine cellar below.

The slow combustion stove is a welcome winter warmer whereas, in summer, you can throw open the French doors to embrace rural vistas from the dappled shade of a vine-covered pergola, at once an idyllic al fresco entertaining venue and a convenient drop-off point for the weekly shop between the in and out driveways.

Host elegant dinner parties in the graceful formal dining room and enjoy leisurely breakfasts in the gorgeous, stone-floored conservatory nestled into the rocky face of the hillside.

Cosy again is a small sitting room in the original cottage where a slow combustion stove belts out heat to warm the adjoining study, two charmingly characterful downstairs bedrooms and the light and airy master bedroom above. Complete with a large dressing room and a fresh, contemporary ensuite, this beautiful attic space is one of two upstairs bedrooms, each with private staircase access. The main family bathroom and adjoining laundry are impressive for their size and are located on the ground floor.

Above the house, huge rainwater tanks with a 35,000 gallon capacity supply more than enough water for domestic use, the roof sprinkler system and the beautiful stone-terraced gardens that spill down the hillside in an explosion of colour. Beyond, a picturesque double garage attached to a workshop offers potential as a sensational artists studio, teen retreat or guest accommodation.

Get up close and personal with koalas and the abundant birdlife that are frequent visitors to this tranquil hillside haven on the doorstep of Cleland National Park and Mt Lofty Botanic Gardens, while only a short but breathtaking drive to excellent schools, the freeway and vibrant Stirling.

In short, this property is a little slice of heaven. Inspect early to avoid disappointment.