The iconic property featured as Drovers Run on the popular drama series McLeod’s Daughters has opened as premium accommodation after undergoing a dramatic redevelopment.
Situated on the edge of the Barossa in South Australia, Kingsford homestead boasts six unique suites, each named after a previous owner of the historic property, as well as the private Stonemason’s Cottage.
The 225-acre property is steeped fascinating history and provides stunning views across the valley, with a cobbled creek running through its centre and patches of scrubland sprinkled between grazing paddocks.
Kingsford also offers two particularly unique luxuries – an underground cellar, perfect for private dinners and wine tastings, and an outdoor bush bath among the gum trees.
All meals are prepared using seasonal Barossa produce by world-renowned chef Stuart Oldfield, who has drawn inspiration from regional dishes served at the time the homestead was built in 1856.
Visitors are invited to take part in a range of tailored experiences on offer including walking trails, private wine tours, picnics, billy tea and damper, hot-air ballooning, gliding, sheep dog demonstrations and spa treatments.
Further additions are planned for the near future including an all weather pool house, spa treatment room and a redevelopment of the property’s shearing shed, transforming it into a function room perfect for private or corporate events.
Owners Stefan and Leanne Ahrens purchased Kingsford in 2009 for its sentimental value, with Stefan recalling fond memories of playing there as a child with family.
He says he’s proud to now be able to share the experience with a range of guests.
“The property will provide facilities that are adaptable to a range of uses, from corporate retreats to private intimate events, within the local, interstate and international markets,” Stefan says.
The redevelopment has been assisted by AUD$300,000 worth of grants from the South Australian Tourism Commission.
South Australian Tourism Minister Gail Gago officially opened the property last week, although bookings have already been filling up based on word of mouth.
“This is a very exciting day for tourism in the beautiful Barossa,” Gago says.
“Kingsford Homestead now offers a new experience for visitors to the Barossa and it is expected it will have an enormous appeal to interstate and overseas visitors to South Australia.”