the stone for the build (as well as for the stone walls at the driveway
entrance), Cindy was typically resourceful. A chance meeting at the
local pub led her and dad Phil down the road to a nearby farm where
they collected three trailer-loads of stone by hand.
Out the back of the stable and shed, restoration works are ongoing.
On the day I visit, stonemason Rick and Cindy’s son-in-law Peter are
laying slate flooring and finishing an outdoor fireplace. Son Michael
is working on a new wirelessly-controlled lighting system, while his
recently dug trenches await pipes to irrigate another soon-to-be-
installed patch of lawn. While daughter Lucy, a qualified chef, isn’t
currently onsite, she’s sure to be along soon.
All this activity and the good-natured ribbing we overhear as we
wander by offer an insight into how this business works. While Cindy
may be the front-woman, it’s a family and community business in
the truest sense. Cindy trusts her own eye and vision, but clearly
values the collaborative efforts of her children and the expertise of the
tradespeople they work with. ‘Michael can do anything,’ says Cindy.
And it certainly appears to be true, his contributions range from design
(he worked closely with Bragg on the new kitchen and toilet block) to
project management (of the new build) and manual labour (digging out
the floor of the cellar was one of his more ‘fun’ jobs). And he works
the bar at weddings. Rick too has been integral to the restoration >Page left: The large entryway looks a picture of romance adorned with a floral arrangement from the Harvest Studio at McLaren Vale. This page: The home is filled with
original detail, modern amenities and character. The owners’ collection of paintings is displayed throughout.