OLD CHAFF MILL RETREAT
Luxury Vineyard AccommodationOLD CHAFF MILL RETREAT
Luxury Vineyard Accommodation
FEATURES
The Millery and The Granary are separated by soundproof locked doors but they can be opened up to give a group the exclusive use of the entire building.
The Millery, also known as the King Room, features two generous living spaces.
Downstairs, a cozy combustion heater, retro LP player, and sofa that’s also a queen bed for up to two extra people. Upstairs, a mezzanine king bed suite with smart TV overlooking our organic shiraz vineyard.
The bathroom features luxurious double rain head showers and marble bowls on a centuries-old redgum slab
Bathe in complete privacy under the stars in a century-old reconditioned clawfoot bath.
The Granary (king room with balcony) is a double-storey luxury suite where history meets style, from the fully-equipped kitchen with European appliances, to the lit floor display of historic artefacts under your breakfast table, 19th century mortar inscriptions, and amazing graffitied chaff chute that’s now a pantry door.
ACTIVITIES
The Fleurieu Peninsula is one of the most geologically diverse wine regions on the planet; a slow food and farm-to-plate capital; and perhaps the best wine-tasting destination in Australia with over 80 superb cellar doors within a 25 minute drive. Fancy a joy flight in a vintage Tiger Moth? Aldinga Aerodrome is just a few minutes away. Go whale spotting at Victor Harbour just 30 minutes to the south, or spend the day visiting local wineries, then pick up a hamper of fresh local produce to enjoy back in your suite from the Willunga Farmer’s Market (voted best farmers market in the Southern Hemisphere). From the pristine white of Silver Sands beach five minutes drive away (where you can drive your car straight to the water’s edge), to the local Buddhist temple, to the historic Victory Hotel with its wine cellar to die for and spectacular views over Gulf St Vincent, you will never be lost for things to do on the Fleurieu Peninsula.
ENVIRONMENT
The Old Chaff Mill is a registered fully organic and biodynamic property. Most people know what “organic” is. But what about “biodynamic”?
It all starts with the soil. Biodynamic farming is simply a way of managing land that enhances the soil and the surrounding environment by using natural improvers rather than chemical sprays. Instead of spraying weeds with poisons, we plough them in or pull them out, and plant natural competitors to discourage their regrowth. Instead of synthetic fertilisers, which degrade the soil over time and actually weaken plants, we use a special form of concentrated cow manure along with compost liquids to encourage nature’s own processes to rejuvenate the land’s fertility. And we spray natural ground quartz over our plantings to strengthen their cell walls- this makes them fungus-resistant, and by enhancing the effects of natural sunlight, promotes their growth and the flavour of the fruit.
Around the property we also use a mix of rainwater and recycled water. The Chaff Mill runs entirely on filtered rainwater. We use a worm farm for our wastes, and offer compost bins in both our suites. Solar panels and a battery reduce our carbon footprint, and we put as much carbon back into the soil as we can by the use of mulches and other natural carbon sources.
We don’t believe we own the land, but the land owns us. As its temporary custodians, our goal is to pass it on to the next generation in better condition than we received it, including the structures on the land and the stories they tell. That’s why we poured so much into restoring the Chaff Mill, and will always go the extra mile to make our property a healthy, happy place of rejuvenation for all who come here.
What we love…
Gutted by fire a century ago, the Old Chaff Mill Retreat has been stunningly restored, with two private, self-contained, luxury suites providing a unique, boutique accommodation experience celebrating a rich past. From “The Granary’s” lit floor display and sweeping views, to “The Millery’s” gorgeous Baltic pine Winnower- now a 2 metre chandelier- and outdoor antique clawfoot bath, this is a one-of-a-kind destination.
Tell me more
Nestled amongst organic Shiraz vineyards where the McLaren Vale foothills meet the ocean, the Old Chaff Mill Retreat dates back to the mid-nineteenth century, when it provided grains and chaff to bullock teams as they hauled their mighty loads across the picturesque countryside.
Get the Facts
Where is it? , McLaren Vale South Australia
What? Bed and Breakfast Suites
Style of Accommodation? Two self contained guest rooms.
Who? Perfect for couples
Accessible? Please note this is a former industrial building with exposed metal surfaces and staircases. It is not suitable for children and does not cater to people with special physical needs.
Minimum Night Stay? Yes – two nights
Rates
Sounding Good? Read on…
Enjoy a delicious Continental breakfast (provisions provided) before exploring some of the best wineries and beaches in Australia, right at your doorstep. Or have a relaxing massage or treatment package in the onsite beauty salon.
The two suites can be booked separately or together to give you the run of the building.
Owners of the Old Mill Chaff Retreat are artists from film, television and theatre, and love meeting new people and giving them special memories. Richard has worked as a television producer and director on iconic shows ranging from “Neighbours” to “McLeods Daughters”, and Bernice has transitioned from costume designer to beauty therapist. Having travelled widely before discovering this part of the world 15 years ago, they look forward to sharing with you the secrets of Australia’s hidden gem: the Fleurieu Peninsula, soon to be listed as a World Heritage area.
Hosts: Bernice Devereaux and Richard Jasek
Address: 371 Plains Road, 5174 Sellicks Hill, Australia
PRICE RATE POLICY
Every enquiry and booking through GREEN GETAWAYS AUSTRALIA shows your support for the fabulous environmental initiatives undertaken by this property. That’s SO good to know!
FEATURES
The Millery and The Granary are separated by soundproof locked doors but they can be opened up to give a group the exclusive use of the entire building.
The Millery, also known as the King Room, features two generous living spaces.
Downstairs, a cozy combustion heater, retro LP player, and sofa that’s also a queen bed for up to two extra people. Upstairs, a mezzanine king bed suite with smart TV overlooking our organic shiraz vineyard.
The bathroom features luxurious double rain head showers and marble bowls on a centuries-old redgum slab
Bathe in complete privacy under the stars in a century-old reconditioned clawfoot bath.
The Granary (king room with balcony) is a double-storey luxury suite where history meets style, from the fully-equipped kitchen with European appliances, to the lit floor display of historic artefacts under your breakfast table, 19th century mortar inscriptions, and amazing graffitied chaff chute that’s now a pantry door.
ACTIVITIES
The Fleurieu Peninsula is one of the most geologically diverse wine regions on the planet; a slow food and farm-to-plate capital; and perhaps the best wine-tasting destination in Australia with over 80 superb cellar doors within a 25 minute drive. Fancy a joy flight in a vintage Tiger Moth? Aldinga Aerodrome is just a few minutes away. Go whale spotting at Victor Harbour just 30 minutes to the south, or spend the day visiting local wineries, then pick up a hamper of fresh local produce to enjoy back in your suite from the Willunga Farmer’s Market (voted best farmers market in the Southern Hemisphere). From the pristine white of Silver Sands beach five minutes drive away (where you can drive your car straight to the water’s edge), to the local Buddhist temple, to the historic Victory Hotel with its wine cellar to die for and spectacular views over Gulf St Vincent, you will never be lost for things to do on the Fleurieu Peninsula.
ENVIRONMENT
The Old Chaff Mill is a registered fully organic and biodynamic property. Most people know what “organic” is. But what about “biodynamic”?
It all starts with the soil. Biodynamic farming is simply a way of managing land that enhances the soil and the surrounding environment by using natural improvers rather than chemical sprays. Instead of spraying weeds with poisons, we plough them in or pull them out, and plant natural competitors to discourage their regrowth. Instead of synthetic fertilisers, which degrade the soil over time and actually weaken plants, we use a special form of concentrated cow manure along with compost liquids to encourage nature’s own processes to rejuvenate the land’s fertility. And we spray natural ground quartz over our plantings to strengthen their cell walls- this makes them fungus-resistant, and by enhancing the effects of natural sunlight, promotes their growth and the flavour of the fruit.
Around the property we also use a mix of rainwater and recycled water. The Chaff Mill runs entirely on filtered rainwater. We use a worm farm for our wastes, and offer compost bins in both our suites. Solar panels and a battery reduce our carbon footprint, and we put as much carbon back into the soil as we can by the use of mulches and other natural carbon sources.
We don’t believe we own the land, but the land owns us. As its temporary custodians, our goal is to pass it on to the next generation in better condition than we received it, including the structures on the land and the stories they tell. That’s why we poured so much into restoring the Chaff Mill, and will always go the extra mile to make our property a healthy, happy place of rejuvenation for all who come here.