Anlaby Station Barossa Valley review | SA’s Great Travel Planner

Few properties in the state boast the heritage and history of Anlaby Station. Staying there only heightens its old-world charms.

Few properties in the state boast the heritage and history of Anlaby Station. Staying there only heightens its old-world charms.

Driving in on the long gravel carriageway that encircles the main house and leads to the peacock aviary, there is an immediate sense you are stepping back in time. Established by Frederick Dutton in 1839 but extensively developed over centuries by other family members, Anlaby has been one of the nation’s most important properties. The Duttons, who made money in sheep, cattle and copper, were one of the state’s richest families, which explains how they could establish and build such a fabulous house, gardens and homestead, in the English estate tradition on the edge of the mid-north desert lands.

The Duttons employed up to 70 staff, including 14 gardeners, to manage Anlaby, that also contains the oldest merino stud on mainland Australia. Maintaining the property today that comprises around 40 buildings, and returning it to former glories, are former Sydneysiders Andrew Morphett and Peter Hayward.

The couple purchased the property 14 years ago and used it as a “weekender” for four years before moving in permanently.

On arrival, we are warmly greeted by Andrew and shown to our quarters in the Manor House, the former manager’s and accountant’s offices, converted into self-contained bed and breakfast accommodation. Signs of the building’s former use still exist, including a large vaulted safe in the stylish and comfy lounge.

The log heater was welcome on a cool spring night but the addition of throws and blankets made from the wool of sheep on the property was a lovely warming indulgence.

The author’s quarters in the Manor House at Anlaby Station. Picture: Craig Cook

Although there is a well-equipped kitchen for those organised enough to cook their own meals, we were provided with dinner for $45 a head. It proved a bargain with confit of duck and vegetables straight from the garden; as was the fruit as a main ingredient of a delicious gluten-free mandarin cake.

At an additional cost, guests can take a tour of the main house. Our tour was conducted by Andrew, whose knowledge of the house’s history and his commitment to restoration shone through. This is a unique building of 23 rooms, complete with servants’ wing, and the tour is highly recommended.

Highlights include a glorious dining room and stunning library and lounge room.

Prolific author, and one of the founders of the Adelaide Festival, Geoffrey Dutton grew up at Anlaby and wrote about the family home in books The Squatters (1985) and his autobiography, Out in the Open (1994).

Guests are invited to wander through the extensive 4ha English-style garden, with some acknowledgment to the South Australian dry landscape, which has been substantially restored. Our guided tour of the garden included the shade house, glass house, walled vegetable garden, rose gardens, and a climb up a delightful pagoda-style folly to catch a stunning 360-degree view.

Anlaby Station. Picture: Craig Cook

Anlaby is home to the largest collection of significant and protected trees – around 600 – on the National Trust register, including a Chinese elm and several cedars, while the homestead, shearing shed, slaughterhouse, shearers’ quarters and manager’s house are all listed on the SA Heritage Register.

There is an impressive equestrian complex just behind the manor house with livery stables, and a blacksmith workshop that has hosted weddings, functions and even Australian MasterChef contestants in 2013, that adds to the overall quintessential English village of Ms Marple. Anlaby is a terrific base to explore the region that includes the architectural treasures of Kapunda, considered the birthplace of Australia’s commercial mining history.

Reviews are unannounced and paid for by SAWeekend.

This review was first published in December 2017 and details updated in March 2021.

• 829 Anlaby Road, Hamilton
• [phone]
• anlaby.com.au
• LOCATION Situated around 15km north of Kapunda between the Clare and Barossa valleys. After travelling 5km on the Thiele Highway heading to Eudunda turn left into Anlaby Rd. Travel 8km and turn left into the gates to Anlaby and travel a further 2km to reach the parking area. (The final 10km is on an unsealed road).
• ACCOMMODATION There are two B&B options. A) The Manor House: A 19th century two-storey manor house converted into self-contained bed and breakfast accommodation.
  B) The Gardeners Cottage: Originally the home for the Head Gardener, this newly renovated cottage has three queen bedrooms, two lounges, a fully equipped kitchen, bathroom and outdoor seating area. The home sits in a pretty cottage garden and is fitted with ducted airconditioning. Free Wi-Fi.
• FACILITIES There are three upstairs bedrooms with whitewashed walls and empty fireplaces but wool throws and electric blankets are provided for chilly nights. Downstairs there is a fully-equipped kitchen, bathroom and comfy, stylish sitting room and log heater. There is no Wi-Fi and phone reception is patchy. Flatscreen TV, DVD player, CD player, and a small selection of films and music.
• PRICE $250 per night per couple. Additional adults $50 each (Tariff includes full breakfast provisions). HOUSE TOUR $15. GARDEN TOUR $15.