This delightful 156 year old cottage – was originally the dairy man’s house in the Historic township of Willunga.The original four rooms, and separate cookhouse, with their 15 inch walls, are linked by an extension that has a high ceiling and large clerestory window. A separate self contained guests’ studio retreat offers great versatility. The gardens are a delight with winding Willunga slate pathways, wisteria, and every season brings changes.

Starting life as a dairyman’s gift to his new wife, this wisteria draped cottage is in the heart of the McLaren Vale wine region in the historic village of
Willunga which is around 50 minutes south of Adelaide. Kain Cottage is within a pleasant stroll of the Willunga High Street shops and cafes, the bowling and golf clubs, the famous farmers’ market and quarry markets and the local bus stop.

Beautifully maintained over the years, the cottage has had sympathetic additions to now provide versatile options. The main cottage has two bedrooms and a study or box room. In addition, a separate self contained guests’ studio provides another bedroom, with kitchenette and en-suite bathroom. A charming surprise is the miniature cottage for children to discover, set amongst the fruit trees and flowers in the magical garden.

~ Kain Cottage ~ has many delightful features including:
Original flagstone slate flooring.
Two large open fireplaces.
Original regency match board timber
ceilings.
Quaint cottage windows.
Massive stone walls.
A Nectre slow combustion heater.
Airtemp reverse cycle air-conditioning.
Solar hot water.
A summer house ~ on the cool South side of the cottage, and among the fruit trees.
Slate courtyard between the cottage and studio.
Two carports (separated).
A large shed with power, as well as three smaller sheds (two with power)
Two rain water tanks.
Automatic watering system – with drippers, and a sprinkler system for the lawns.
Stunning gardens, with agapanthas, old fashioned roses, daisies,irises,lavender and honesty.
The very productive orchard has the following fruit trees: Orange, Mandarin, Lemon, Grapefruit, weeping Mulberry, Satsuma Plum, Cherry Plum, Nectarine, Granny Smith Apple, Pink Lady Apple, and Almond tree.

Our Vendor’s story
Willunga claims to be considered the most picturesque township in the Province, and to our mind, the claim should be admitted
South Australian Register, Wednesday, March 26, 1851

As true today as then! Only one year after settlers arrived in South Australia, Willunga’s first residents staked their claims, and in 1840 the Crown surveyed the township. In 1856, Thomas Kain, a 21 year old dairyman, built a four roomed cottage, with a separate cookhouse, for his young bride. It was built to last – 15 inch walls and wonderful slate flagstones mined locally. And last it has! As I understand it, in the past 152 years it has been owned by only five families. I have lived here, and loved it, for 20 years.

Of course, additions have been made over the years, but sympathetic design has enhanced the original charm – some extra weight sits well on the old bone structure! Once stinging nettles and mud, the garden, with its fruit trees, perennials and automatic watering system, is now low maintenance.

I hope the new owners revel in the ambience and have as much joy from this property as I have had. RLA156314