A historic slice of South Australia has been reinvented as a high-style luxury retreat at Kingsford The Barossa. Imagine spectacular surroundings, opulent rooms, and one of the largest private collections of shiraz in the country. Not to mention the hotel’s luxurious Bush Bath with incredible views over the Barossan countryside. It’s little wonder Kingsford attracts celebrities and A-listers alike.
Mere mortals will be happy to discover Kingsford The Barossa’s charms too. There’s no better place to relax, enjoy some “me-time” or celebrate a special occasion. And – just a 45-minute drive north of Adelaide – the Kingsford is perfectly positioned for a weekend escape from the city.
New era for Kingsford The Barossa
It’s hard not to be mesmerised by the lush landscapes that surround Kingsford The Barossa. In this pocket of South Australia – where the dusty greens of eucalyptus fade into the delicate scalloped leaves of grapevines – there are seemingly endless opportunities to relax and indulge.
Kingsford The Barossa might be the Barossa Valley’s newest luxury retreat, but it’s been fine-tuning hospitality offerings since time immemorial. Well, since 1856 at least, when the original Georgian-style mansion was built here, amid 90 hectares of native bushland.
Pastoralist Stephen King commissioned the Homestead, which is thought to have been built from stone shipped from Edinburgh in Scotland. Many of the original features still stand, including the Gothic staircase and the flagged slate hallway.
It’s the kind of setting you’d expect to see on postcards, or in movies. Understandable, then, that Chanel Nine snapped up the grounds in 2000 for the set of hit TV drama McLeod’s Daughters.
When the show ended, Stefan and Leanne Ahrens didn’t hesitate to move in. Stefan, having grown up down the road, played among the gums here when he was a child.
Kingsford The Barossa: Multi-million-dollar refurbishment
The couple spent more than a decade graciously renovating the Kingsford Homestead. Most recently, they’ve added 10 luxe suites, welcoming guests back to the newly redeveloped property from mid-2021.
Residents can choose from the Kingsford Homestead or check-in to one of the four View Suites. Each with east-facing, floor-to-ceiling windows, watching the sun come up over the Barossan countryside is a must here. Meanwhile, history-buffs might want to consider the Stonemasons’ Cottage, dating back to the 19th century. Built by the craftsmen who worked on the Kingsford Homestead, the cottage has its own garden and offers unrivalled privacy.
Families can also enjoy a peaceful break at the Kingsford by checking in to fun, three-bedroomed Meg’s Cottage. With views of the rolling hills and an alfresco dining area, Meg’s is perfect for a family vacation.
Kingsford The Barossa has been welcoming guests since 2011 However, it was Stefan and Leanne’s hard work, vision…and a multi-million-dollar refurbishment, that transformed it into one of South Australia’s most exclusive retreats. The worldly couple’s labour of love is like a snapshot of their combined passions. Each accommodation is individually designed and decorated with hand-picked objects that hero South Australian artists.
You can thank Leanne for the attention to detail. Her interior design background elevates rooms and suites with elegant touches. Think Barossan potteries, bespoke lighting and furniture that looks like it has slipped from the pages of a glossy magazine.
Luxury winery accommodation in Barossa Valley
Food and wine are, of course, a firm focus. Whether you’re enjoying woodfired pizzas alfresco amid the Kingsford The Barossa’s gardens or savouring a five-course degustation in the Wine Tunnel, the retreat offers a fine fusion of flavours.
Those looking for the best winery accommodation in Barossa won’t be disappointed either. The estate’s Wine Vaults house a museum collection of Penfolds Grange. In addition, it also holds one of the largest private collections of shiraz in Australia. Of course, you can visit the Barossa’s legendary wineries in person. Kingsford staff are on hand to arrange bespoke, behind-the-scenes experiences at the likes of Seppeltsfield and Yalumba. Stefan himself is a member of the Barons of Barossa wine fraternity.
Barossa Valley: Things to do in South Australia
Set amongst 225-acres of stunning countryside, Kingsford The Barossa is a haven for outdoorsy-types. Aside from visiting some of the best wineries in Barossa, guests at the Kingsford can also strap on their hiking boots and hit one of the many local walking trails.
Explore stunning rivers and gaze at endless rolling hills, keeping your eyes peeled and camera ready for any wildlife encounters. Alongside kangaroos, the Kingsford The Barossa is home to parrots, kookaburras and a pair of wedge-tailed eagles.
In addition to the retreat’s own impressive trails, the wider Barossa area has much to offer. There are a number of conservation parks, historic sites and natural wonders to explore. The region has been home to the Peramangk, Ngadjuri and Kaurna people for tens of thousands of years. Later, European settlers arrived in the 1830s’, changing the landscape and way of life forever. Visit one of the cultural centres or explore the area’s rich history on foot with a heritage trail walk.
The Kingsford Barossa Experience
But you might not want to stray too far…or for too long. There’s so much to entertain on-site at Kingsford The Barossa. The Kingsford’s Bush Bath is a particularly indulgent experience. Think an inviting tub overlooking the North Parra River, with complete privacy. Cheese, champagne and plush robes are on hand, ready to take your sunset soak to dreamy new heights.
For something a little more high-octane, head to the on-site Kegelbahn. The Ahrens have assembled a nine-pin bowling alley, paying homage to the region’s German heritage. There’s even a movie screen and bar for when it’s time to retire from the lanes.
Still, one of the best ways to appreciate the magic of Kingsford The Barossa is when there are no distractions at all. Step outside to see the Milky Way twinkle overhead. Hear the fire crackle beside you as the marshmallows ooze around your stick. Finally, soak in the complete and utter seclusion that Kingsford The Barossa has to offer.
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