Lydia Kellner
Updated 12 Jan 2024, 9:52am
First published 12 Jan 2024, 7:30am
News Corp Australia Network
Hillsview Estate has been listed for sale in Auburn. Picture: Hillsview Estate.
Hundreds of couples have said `I do’ at Hillsview Estate in the Clare Valley over the past 20 years.
But now, for the first time in decades, the popular Auburn wedding venue and bed and breakfast is facing an uncertain future.
The property at 5384 Balaklava Rd has been listed for sale with a price guide of $1.65m, with vendors Graham Richards and Kim Bleaker hopeful to find a buyer to continue the business.
It’s a popular SA wedding venue. Picture: realestate.com.au
There’s much more to the property than meets the eye though. Picture: realestate.com.au
There is a residence on the property for the owners. Picture: realestate.com.au
It spans 2.25ha. Picture: realestate.com.au
The 2.25ha estate encompasses a selection of stone buildings, including the main house – built circa 1848 – two bed and breakfast cottages, an original cellar and smoke house, and a large 19th century barn, regularly used as a wedding and function venue for up to 200 guests.
“This property was the original working farm in Auburn … and actually is its own little village because it’s got nine stone structures, all of which come with a lot of history,” Mr Richards said.
“So it really is a very unique place and we’ve hosted hundreds of weddings and a few funerals here over the years.
“During our best year, we would have hosted 30 weddings and let me tell you, no one has ever left hungry.”
There is also short-term accommodation on the property. Picture: realestate.com.au
It has a rustic charm about it. Picture: realestate.com.au
There are seven bedrooms and three bathrooms all up on the property. Picture: realestate.com.au
The views surrounding the property are pretty epic too. Picture: realestate.com.au
The vendors’ own love story with the property started in the early 2000s when, by chance, they were invited for dinner by the previous owner during a visit to South Australia.
“My partner and I would come here for Christmas and things and always loved the district,” Mr Richards said.
“I remember coming over the cattle grid (leading into the property) and my partner and I just went cold.
“We had goosebumps and just knew this was it.
“Of course the property wasn’t for sale at the time but we told the owner that, if he ever thought of selling to let us know.
“Of course he didn’t but we did have a third party let us know when it did come to the market and we ended up buying it in 2003, leaving our corporate lives in Sydney behind.”
MORE NEWS
Family set to part ways with iconic Barossa property after 40 years
Better act quick if you’re thinking of renovating a Church in SA
Waterfront shack on the market for the first time in 70 years
Now, 20 years later, the time has come for the next generation to take over as the custodian of the almost 180-year-old property.
Mr Richards said he was hopeful to find a buyer willing to continue what they had started.
“We’ve had a wonderful time here but we’re getting older and it’s time to hang up the apron,” he said.
“It would be wonderful if there was someone willing to take over and we’d be willing to assist with the transition.”
The property is for sale through Elders Real Estate – Clare Valley/Burra.
- SEO Powered Content & PR Distribution. Get Amplified Today.
- PlatoData.Network Vertical Generative Ai. Empower Yourself. Access Here.
- PlatoAiStream. Web3 Intelligence. Knowledge Amplified. Access Here.
- PlatoESG. Carbon, CleanTech, Energy, Environment, Solar, Waste Management. Access Here.
- PlatoHealth. Biotech and Clinical Trials Intelligence. Access Here.
- Source: https://www.realestate.com.au/news/hillsview-estate-in-clare-valleys-auburn-hits-the-market-for-first-time-in-20-years/
