Garden Cottage olives

The Garden Cottage at The Olives is a new, architect-designed facility near Yankalilla in the heart of South Australia's famed Fleurieu Peninsula. It is just one hour by road from Adelaide near the McLaren Vale wine district, St Vincent Gulf fishing, surf beaches and the mouth of the mighty Murray River. The Fleurieu is a drawcard for nature lovers and foodies from around the world and boasts superior sporting facilities such as The Links golf course at Lady Bay.

The Garden Cottage nestles in the grounds of The Olives, a National Trust listed home built in 1859. It is in an idyllic setting for those who want to just wash away the stresses of the city or use as a base to see and enjoy the attractions of SA's Fleurieu Peninsula, recently listed by Lonely Planet as the fifth most attractive destination in the world.

There are two bedrooms; one with a King size bed; the other with two King singles which can be converted into a double. There is also a sofa bed in the central lounge area which can be used to increase capacity to six if required.

The central lounge also has kitchen facilities for tea or coffee (Nespresso capsules provided), a toaster, a microwave oven and an electric frypan.

Guests are welcome to use the facilities of the entire four-acre garden, including the swimming pool and barbecue.

Guests will be met by resident manager Kenton who will greet guests and attend to their needs, providing helpful information about local restaurants and sightseeing destinations. He will also assist with car parking plus barbecue and pool setup.

The Olives nestles in a valley about 3 km south of Yankalilla. It was one of the first buildings in the area, with its rear section built of "mud and pug" construction in the 1840s - within a decade of the settlement of South Australia. The imposing neo-Georgian facade and front section was added in 1859. The building was restored in 1975 and has recently undergone further renovations.

There are no immediate neighbours in what is a beautiful, bucolic farming area. Yankalilla is 73 km from Adelaide via the Main South Road which continues on to the Kangaroo Island ferry at Cape Jervis. On entering the Yankalilla township, veer left at the Y junction, following the Victor Harbor sign for 1.5 km until you see the speed derestriction sign. Turn right into Doctors Hill Road (unsealed) and follow it for 1.5 km until you arrive at the Salt Creek Road t-junction. Turn right for 350 m then turn right into The Olives gateway. It is a little off the beaten track, but that's what makes it so unique and enjoyable.

The Olives and its garden is a self-contained destination for those who bring their own supplies and want to relax in perfect peace and solitude, Guests will need a vehicle if they wish to tour the district and eat at a variety of restaurants and cafes at Yankalilla (3km) or Normanville (5 km). Other dining options are a little further afield.