170 Clayton Road KANGARILLA SA 5157

Ironstone Cottage could have stepped straight out of a story book. Situated at the end of a long meandering driveway running alongside a winter creek, you pass through what resembles an enchanted forest before reaching the clearing in which this delightful property sits. The approach up to the adorable front of the cottage is framed by huge old cherry plum trees & neighbouring organic vineyards wrap around the rear and side of the boundary providing a sensational backdrop. A thriving environment for native wildlife, woodland creatures are regular visitors to the property, clearly recognising the magical setting in which they too live.

Circa 1897, the cottage has been lovingly restored to much of its former glory since the current owners took over its neglected shell three years ago. Stacks of original period features provide character in abundance and a true sense of going back in time. Positioning at the rear of a 7 acre block, surrounded by nothing but trees and vines, provides absolute tranquillity and privacy; a sense of true isolation. Yet the varied amenities and attractions of McLaren Vale are just a 5 minute drive away.

Other features include:
* 3 excellent sized bedrooms, all with Baltic pine floorboards, superb original sash windows and lofty ceilings and one with original open fireplace
* Wonderful lounge room with polished Jarrah floorboards and original fireplace
* Beautiful entrance hallway with stained glass window and polished floorboards
* 20th century extension providing a spacious, open plan family living room with wide wrap around windows overlooking the neighbouring vines, a slow combustion wood heater and ceiling fans
* Beautiful solid timber Blackwood kitchen with plentiful cupboard and bench top space
* Sunroom/utility/boot room
* Laundry with built in cupboards, bench top and toilet
* Recently refurbished family bathroom with bath, shower and new vanity
* Spectacular, decorative 3 metre high pressed metal ceilings throughout the original building
* Deep cornicing and huge, original sash windows and restored floorboards through original home
* Ducted evaporative air conditioning
* Front steps up to a wide, decorative bull nose verandah, bordered by pretty garden beds
* Shady paved entertaining pergola, covered in glory vines with a vineyard outlook
* New roof
* 16 x 6.5 m rustic shed, newly built using the recycled metal roof sheeting from the home
* Smaller plumbed garden shed/outbuilding
* Numerous established fruit trees including quince, apple, lemon, orange, mandarin, cherry plum and olive
* Metered bore water supplied from neighbouring organic vineyard
* ADSL 1 connected
* Winter creek, paddock and wood lot

The vendors story captures the passion and soul held within this home:

To the new owner of Ironstone Cottage, 170 Clayton Road, Kangarilla
Approximately 3 years ago we drove down the beautiful tree lined driveway that lead us to an old rusty cottage, and we knew we had found our home. Without even stepping foot inside the cottage, we knew it was the one. It felt right. The sway of the trees, the chirp of the birds, the creek trickling, the absolute beauty of the sun on the vineswe were determined to make it ours. And as luck should have it, 45 days later we were handed the keys to our new home, and our new life in the country!
To say our lovely cottage was a fixer-upper was putting it mildly. But we could see the potential. The bones of the cottage were classic, and we knew with a little love and a lot of hard work they could be truly beautiful again. It was clear that once upon a time, our little cottage had been loved, and had been a wonderful and cared for home. The overgrown gardens hid an abundance of fruit trees and wonderful old pieces of machinery and working parts to the property. The beautiful floorboards had been painted and carpeted, and the roof was so rusty, the cottage looked abandoned. But as we stripped away the years of neglect, we have helped the cottage once again become the cosy home it was built to be.
Our first night spent in our new home was so eerily quiet and we could see so many stars, it was like we had moved to a different world. You would never know that a major town such as McLaren Vale was only 5 minutes away! The peace and privacy the cottage offers you makes you feel a million miles from everyone. In our first few weeks, we quickly got to know our closest neighbours. The kangaroos who will steal the fruit from the trees, the koalas in the gum trees through the gully quickly made themselves known. And there are so many birds, they make the soundtrack for this home second to none. The wildlife truly becomes part of the family. We had only been living here a few weeks when I went to investigate a noise coming from the mud brick shed near the house. I am sure you can imagine my shock when a huge kangaroo came bouncing out! And having koalas stroll past your back door, absolutely amazing. On a hot day, we always put the sprinkler on and see the wildlife come for a drink and a cool shower, its a way of interacting with the animals that I never imagined.
And then there are the real neighbours, who have offered us so much help and kindness along the way. We have enjoyed many a great night catching up with a glass of red, and we can truly say we have made life long friends. Their generosity is shown in the wonderful garden beds against the front porch, a wedding gift from our neighbours.
In 2012, with an autumn backdrop, we said I do on our newly built front porch. All our friends and family gathered in our front yard and we were married as the sun set on a beautiful day with our home as the backdrop. The day was amazing and we have the most beautiful wedding photos overlooking the vines. So many guests suggested we rent the house out for other peoples weddings, but it felt a little more special saving the privilege just for us!
We have created so many wonderful memories in the three years we have spent here. From Christmas lunch under the vine covered pergola overlooking the shiraz vines, to walks through the gully exploring our land and seeing the wildlife, and dinners with friends in winter in front of the fire with a glass of red..I doubt we will ever find another home that will offer us so much.
We have spent 3 years working hard to create our wonderful home, and to now be saying goodbye was not a decision we reached easily. We have spent three years building the home we dreamed of, and we planned to stay forever. Having invested so much into the property, walking away will not be easy and it will be so sad to leave this beautiful spot. But our family is growing, and with new work opportunities meaning we can spend more time as a family and less time at work, we knew that the best decision for us would be to have as much time with our young family as possible. Unfortunately, this means a move. And so it is with a heavy heart and great sadness that we will hand over the keys to new owners. We truly hope that the new owners of this beautiful cottage and gorgeous piece of land, love the property as we have, and can make a home and life as happy as the one we have had the privilege of enjoying while calling Ironstone Cottage our home.
We know this home is one in a million. So to the lucky new owners, please appreciate the beauty, the peace, the tranquillity, and the wonderful life you will now possess.

Enjoy!

From the vendors, with love.
Chelsea & Darell