Big birds and a charm farm: [1 Edition]
Stapleton, John. The Australian; Canberra, A.C.T. [Canberra, A.C.T] 23 Aug 2002: 27.
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Abstract
About 50km from Adelaide, on the southern slopes of the Adelaide Hills, lies Emu Retreat. At the southern end of the MacLaren Vale wine-growing area, the property was part of Judy and Malcolm Dispain's retirement plans.
The original 1850s house was falling down when the Dispains came along. They did everything they could to preserve what was left of the house, which was built of mud and straw, with a thatch roof. It is now a comfortable studio.
Colette Hunt of Weston Raine & Horne at McLaren Vale, said a property of the quality of Emu Retreat would cost well over $1 million near Sydney. The Dispains are asking just under $500,000.
* Rural property
SEA-CHANGERS are discovering that the further from the big smoke you get, the better the bargains.
About 50km from Adelaide, on the southern slopes of the Adelaide Hills, lies Emu Retreat. At the southern end of the MacLaren Vale wine-growing area, the property was part of Judy and Malcolm Dispain's retirement plans.
It was originally settled in the 1850s. The Adelaide couple bought it in 1994.
"It's a very spiritual place," said Mrs Dispain. "It has a cathedral type of feeling. We have put a lot of loving effort into it. It's that type of place."
Emu Retreat was first occupied by a Scottish family. The 2.3ha property is surrounded by grape and olive farms.
It is a secluded farm and cottage complex, with bed and breakfast approval.
There are stone walls, slate flagstones, restored brick paving, plenty of sheds, a wood lot and splendid fireplaces. The kitchen cupboards are made from old fence posts, and the chook run provides plenty of eggs.
There is a room in the old 1880s cottage where, traditionally, babies were born.
Now that it is for sale, the Dispains say, a number of people with old connections to the property have shown up.
The original 1850s house was falling down when the Dispains came along. They did everything they could to preserve what was left of the house, which was built of mud and straw, with a thatch roof. It is now a comfortable studio.
The 1880s farmhouse has been been fully renovated.
The Dispains planted hundreds of trees, including spotted gums and casuarinas.
As well, there is a 30-tree orchard, with apricot, quince, almond and walnut trees.
No agricultural chemicals have been used on the property, which has solar hot water and water recycling.
"We liked the place the moment we saw it," said Mr Dispain. "Our aim was to retire there, but because of grandchildren and so on, it has become a bit impractical."
Colette Hunt of Weston Raine & Horne at McLaren Vale, said a property of the quality of Emu Retreat would cost well over $1 million near Sydney. The Dispains are asking just under $500,000.
"People from Sydney and Melbourne are coming this way because of the great differences in prices."
The Dispains' 10 pet emus come with the property.
Illustration
Caption: Inviting:Emu Retreat at Willunga has approval for a B&B; Photo: Photo
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