This outstanding "landmark" property is located between the tourist townships of McLaren Vale and Willunga and has been created and operated by the Simon
family for nearly 20 years.
The Fern Forest has been built on permatculture principles which has created a property which is environmentally responsible and sustainable, self sufficient and aesthetically pleasing.
The property is currently run as a retail nursery specialising in palms, ferns, bamboo, cycads, bromeliads and a variety of associated tropical foliage plants and is well known and supported by a large customer base.

The Fern Forest comprises of 10,000m2 (approx 2.47 acres)of landscaped
gardens incorporating
extensive infrastructure and an enchanting tropical rainforest complete
with timber boardwalks leading you through the gardens with seating areas along the way to sit and enjoy.
A lovely natural looking waterfall and creek is home to yabbies and creates a most tranquil atmosphere.
Amongst the palms, ferns and foliage plants is the Summer House which in the past was used for weddings or
just
a great place for
private parties.

This fully irrigated living master piece has been able to establish its own echo system and various animals including Echidna, Possums and the delicate micro bat have taken up residence all helping to create a most unique habitat and atmosphere.

Improvements at the Fern Forest include a quality master built home
comprising of 4 double bedrooms all with built-in robes, master with large ensuite.
Formal and informal living areas incorporating
a very functional kitchen.
This home is fully insulated, ducted evaporative air conditioning,
combustion heater plus gas heater connection and spacious 9ft ceilings plus a garage under the main roof.

The nursery infrastructure comprises of a very large 15m x 12m shop/counter sales area which is insulated and complete with male and female toilets and kitchen. Sliding doors give access to the adjoining sales/display area which is fully enclosed and complete with concrete floor, fully automated sprinkler system and
a shade cloth roof.

This massive structure is approx 750m2 in size and also takes in a further 50m2 of fernery.
Two good sized sheds plus a 200m2 propagating igloo completes the nursery operation.

A recent innovative idea has resulted in a water recycling system being established on the property. Water run off from the sales/display area, car park and over flow from rainwater tanks is collected in a underground sump and pumped into a natural filtration creek
with plants that filter the water and take out much of the excess nutrient before it is stored in a 500,000 litre holding dam to be re-used in the gardens, on the fruit trees or again within the nursery complex.

A vary comprehensive fruit orchard with varieties of apples, pears, nectarines, oranges, walnuts macadamias etc, is also fully irrigated and regularly mulched and supplies another source of income through the shop at certain times of the year.