The smaller bedroom is Michael’s favourite — he’s tickled by the
story that it was originally built for a horse, with the fireplace built for
equine, rather than human, comfort. The doorway to the ensuite is
the only one that’s been raised, after one too many head-knocks.
Elsewhere, the original door and window frames remain.
The more compact Colton Cottage is entirely separate, offering studio
accommodation. Elements of the original engineering efforts are
visible, with a large, rusty bolt emphatically fixed to the wall above
the doorway. Now, these features simply lend charm. Inside, the iron-
framed bed and small kitchenette sit on top of the original slate floor,
with a full-sized bathroom waiting through the far door.Back outside, the newly-landscaped gardens are full of English
garden standards — roses, oleander, lavender and fruit trees among
them — settling into their beds. In a moment of perfect serendipity,
these gardens bring the Daringa story full-circle. Michael explains
how, based on a friend’s recommendation, he invited a landscape
designer out to Oxenberry to discuss the garden. The designer’s
name? Lesli Hewett. ‘I asked her whether there was any chance
she was related to the first European settlers here,’ says Michael.
‘She said she was, and that she knew her family came to McLaren
Vale, but she didn’t know exactly where. I just looked at her and said
‘you’re sitting in the very spot’. Because of that, I think she put a
lot of love into the garden design.’ It’s immediately clear to anyone
that visits these historical buildings that love, and a whole lot of
dedication, has secured their future.Above: Colton Cottage has kept much of the integrity of the original build without compromising on comfort or style. Bottom left: All of the bathrooms have
beencompletely renovated in crisp whites. Bottom right: Delicious platters on arrival.