In South Australia, there are many abandoned homesteads . Old Sheep Stations have long ago been left to ruin as farmers moved on to look for greener pastures. These decaying buildings can be found scattered throughout the country and even near city centres such as Adelaide and the wine region of the Barossa Valley. The Kingsford Homestead, on the western edge of the Barossa Valley is one of these old farm houses, but it is far from abandoned. Have you ever heard of McLeod’s Daughters? It was a huge Aussie series that ran for eight seasons in 117 countries. During that time the Homestead was known as as Drover’s Run and the world was watching. Although, I guess Canada wasn’t a part of the syndication list because neither of us knew of it before our stay at the homestead. .
Present Day
The Kingsford Homestead is now owned by a friendly couple named Stephan and Leanne Ahrens. This is a passion project for them. They wanted to buy the building years ago, and nearly had the deal sealed before it was scooped out from under them by the large production company who filmed McLeod’s Daughters. They waited patiently for the series to end and then tried again. Stephan grew up in the area, he’s fourth generation in the Barossa Valley so it is nice to keep this piece of history in the community.
The Barossa Valley
The Kingsford Homestead has now been turned into a luxurious 5-star retreat. If you are visiting the Barrosa Valley, the premier wine region in South Australia, this is a great home base. It’s 40 minutes from Adelaide and wineries are a mere 10 minutes away. The homestay offers all-inclusive packages and it makes for the perfect romantic getaway. There was a couple on their honeymoon while we were staying at the Kingsford and I know they were enjoying the pampering.
A private chef will prepare an exclusive five course tasting menu in the wine cellar using local produce and pouring local wine, you take an outdoor bath in the bush where you have no fear of anyone coming upon you except for the possible kangaroo, and you can spend hours exploring the 250 acres of this old sheep station.
It only opened in 2009 and not all of the amenities are finished yet, but The Kingsford Homestead has already been added to the Top 100 Hotel Awards of 2012 by Fodors. It’s pure luxury. It’s the love and passion that go into your stay that make it memorable. With canapés served in the library at sunset, fresh organic breakfasts, a tranquil environment and comfortable rooms, each elegantly themed and named for famous patrons of the area, a stay at the Kingsford Homestead is something you will never forget.
To find out more about a stay at the Kingsford Homestead in the Barossa Valley, visit their website , Be prepared to spend money on this one, a stay at the Homestead is a once in a lifetime experience for most of us starting at $700 per person per night for an all-inclusive stay.
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