Positioned in quaint countryside uniquely nestled between South Australia’s ‘coast to vines’, sits an extraordinary structure with mesmerising field stone walling interwoven with modern architectural engineering. Alongside vast, rolling hills in the near distance, the site is also located within minutes of a pristine white-sanded beach. It’s easy to paint the picture of The Old Chaff Mill Retreat, a stunning getaway in South Australia located on the traditional lands of the Kaurna people, that takes you through a course of local history and embeds you into the unique nature of the McLaren Vale region.

McLaren Vale in South Australia is truly one of a kind. Unique for its geographical location between the ocean and low-laying hills — the most geologically diverse wine growing region in the world — generating unique conditions as a world-class wine and agriculture region, the area is abundant in local farming and small independent businesses within a town that has a population of just 1500. Staying at The Old Chaff Mill Retreat, you are immersed in all of the above. The property was renovated from a 1872-built structure, burned down in a fire in 1919, then resurrected and completely revitalised. Owners Richard and Bernice discovered the embattled building and were impassioned to give it new life. Now as a luxury retreat, it’s a far cry from its origins, yet also ironically couldn’t be closer to them than ever. Richard and Bernice have replenished the site with vibrant life, celebrating its history as its next custodians, further creating a surrounding flourishing landscape welcoming native flora and fauna. Look closely, and you may be witness to the family of Tawny Frogmoths residing nearby, or the passing echidnas, kangaroos, koalas and blue tongue lizards. Alongside the building sits a Shiraz vineyard, which the couple also regenerated to grow their own organic grapes to produce the Old Chaff Mill wine, exclusive for staying guests and perfect to enjoy with the sounds of the pure surrounding nature.

The Old Chaff Mill Retreat comprises two self-contained suites — titled The Millery and The Granary, respectively — each features a different internal layout and unique design features for their own individual character. A heavy-set sound-proof set of doors separates both spaces that can be also easily opened and accessed for a group booking.

Led by a ‘leave no trace’ sustainability ethos, the property is an organic/ biodynamic retreat with a low impact approach for the environment. Running off rainwater, stored over two tanks holding 50,000 litres, the property also utilises 30KW solar energy, whilst waste water runs to the worm farm. Here, everything is circular and nothing is wasted. Impressively, they keep their carbon footprint close to zero.

The structure itself is awe-inspiring. Its current form is comprised of an original field stone walled shell reinforced under a new roof. The Millery showcases this beautifully: the surviving stone wall is complemented with modern engineering of steel and glass for the entrance and tall glass walls supporting the frame. On the other side at The Granary, new additions such as a cantilevered balcony and a protruding aluminium-clad volume houses the suite’s bathroom. It’s an excellent addition where a large ceramic bathtub faces an exquisite view framing the expansive vineyard and hills outside.

The Granary suite is east-facing — perfect for sunrise — whilst the west-facing The Millery celebrates the stunning sunsets of the coastal side. Under the Old Chaff Mill’s new roof, discover a world of bygone details intertwined into the current age. The original hand-drilled grain winnower has been repurposed as The Millery suite’s central hanging light. The upper balustrade was repurposed from century-old railway line metal. The Millery’s bathroom bench was crafted from a 200-year-old naturally-felled red gum, paired with two Balinese marble sink bowls. An al fresco bath — perfect for stargazing — is a century-old cast iron clawfoot with industrial-style irrigation taps providing a sense of true outback. The outdoor bath area is enclosed by a pair of meticulously-crafted 200-year-old solid teak Indian Rajasthani ‘Elephant Doors’: originally used to keep elephants out of wealthy villagers courtyards. In the kitchen, owner Richard’s own family collection of Bohemia crystal glasses from 1880-1900 is interwoven into the space.

For guests, the suites easily become a home away from home. There’s a working fireplace, Bluetooth sound system and vinyl record player, even yoga mats, squash racquets and board games. Three EV charging stations are located on site near the parking area.

Alongside the premium bedding and amenities, the hospitality at The Old Chaff Mill is the true luxury in itself. Upon arrival, guests are welcomed with an exceptional Local Plate — perfect to enjoy with the property’s Shiraz — setting the tone for a pure site immersion. On the plate: olives from the neighbours, mulberries from a century-old tree, a selection of delectable local cheeses, alpaca salami from a local independent producer, and handmade jams to enjoy the freshly-baked sourdough (by Sourdough Story from the neighbouring Willunga town) with. Alongside complimentary teas and juices, find organic coffee in eco-friendly stainless steel pods, and the property’s own olive oil in the pantry cupboard, pressed from the surrounding 26 olive trees on site. 

In the morning, wake to nothing but the sound of birds — here you are immersed in the purity of Australian country.

Over six years of renovation and simply stellar interior detailing, the Old Chaff Mill Retreat examples a perfect stay. Sitting on traditional lands of the indigenous Kaurna people, Richard and Bernice are mere custodians of the Old Chaff Mill, ensuring the land is protected for the next generation whilst telling the extraordinary story of the site history. And perfectly so — they have created a new chapter for future generations to enjoy for centuries to come.

THE OLD CHAFF MILL RETREAT
371 Plains Rd, Sellicks Hill
South Australia 5174

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Text: Editorial Director Joanna Kawecki
Images: Champ Creative for Champ Magazine ©