Old Forreston Schoolhouse review | SA’s Great Travel Planner

A driveway leads the way past lush greenery toward a towering structure with history behind every door.

It doesn’t take long to get to Forreston from the city but once you’ve wound your way through the scenic Adelaide Hills it feels like a world away.

When the owner of this executive getaway stumbled upon it during a country drive 25 years ago it was rundown. The roof and floor was missing, fireplaces removed, the grounds were a mess and there were gaping holes in the walls and ceiling. He saw potential and purchased it the next day.

Thank goodness he did. Who knows what would have become of the old schoolhouse?

Built between 1852 and 1855, the public school had 27 teachers through its history before closing on December 16, 1966.

It took two years to make the house habitable and another 10 years to restore to its original condition. Add a further six years to decorate it and plant the gardens and you have a project comprising 18 years of pure love.

It’s a grand affair. A driveway leads the way past lush greenery (more than 300 huge oaks and gums planted in the first few years of renovations) toward a towering structure with history behind every door.

Old Forreston Schoolhouse. Picture: Katie Spain

The main bedroom is a gasp-inducing sight. Deep, mauve walls, a ceiling bathed with a subtle hint of gold, a sitting room with luxe Chesterfield lounges, an open fireplace, plasma TV and a bed you climb into make this a special place to rest.

I’m here for the weekend with two friends and a child, and while we eye off the outdoor spa and impressive collection of wine glasses, the young lad makes the second loungeroom his own.

Young eyes nearly fall out of their sockets when they spot a cabinet full of hundreds of DVDs. We don’t see him for the rest of the night, which leaves us time to imbibe and explore.

Polished floorboards, a large kitchen and dining room with all the trimmings and mod cons mean there’s really no need to leave.

Provisions include eggs, tomatoes, bacon, cereals, a loaf of the good stuff and juice for breakfast, plus snacks, chocolate and a bottle of local wine.

There’s a laundry, a bright, white marble bathroom (the only room in the house without high, 14ft ceilings) and an outdoor toilet, too – just in case.

Outdoor dining and sundowners are well catered for; there’s a timber table setting for 10, a heated spa which overlooks olive trees in blossom, an outdoor pizza oven out back, plus a sun lounge on the front veranda (we use this for morning coffee and chats in the late hours of our final morning of rest and relaxation).

Beautiful surrounds at Old Forreston Schoolhouse. Picture: Katie Spain

For the adventurous, there’s plenty of spectacular scenery to explore.

The Onkaparinga Scenic Drive takes visitors to nearby Birdwood and Gumeracha, and rolling hills in between.

Gorge Wildlife Park and Chain of Ponds Winery is also nearby but we opt instead for Kersbrook Hill Wines cellar door (their cider recipe was found in an old book in the house during renovations) where we tuck in to pizza, shiraz and a sneaky taste of their new sparkling rose. Bliss.

The week after our stay a wedding party is due to make the most of the expansive garden (swapping vows in front of an towering, twisted old tree and a reception on the tennis-court sized greens).

A new addition to the getaway includes a separate office area for working holidays that don’t infringe on down time. Despite having laptops in our bags they don’t see the light of day during our stay. When true relaxation hits in stunning surrounds, it’s best to keep the rest of the world at bay.

The writer was a guest of Old Forreston Schoolhouse.

This review was first published in October 2015 and had details updated in March 2020.

• 378 Forreston Rd, Forreston
• 041 286 7532
• adelaidehillsholiday.com http://www.homeaway.com.au/holiday-rental/p9168235 http://www.airbnb.com.au/rooms/5095034

• LOCATION Forreston, 40km northeast of the CBD
• ACCOMMODATION Self-catered accommodation for up to five people (two kingsize master bedrooms, both with open fireplaces, one single bedroom with king single
• heritage bed).
• FACILITIES Two kingsize bedrooms and a double room in separate wings, luxurious bed linen and towels are provided, along with tea, coffee, milk and a few basic pantry items.
• The polished hardwood floors, open fireplace, 14ft ceilings, stainless steel appliances and marble counter tops, breakfast provisions for your first day, luxurious toiletries, linen, plasma TV/DVD/Hi Fi, outdoor entertaining area, stainless steel barbecue, a custom-made wood-fire pizza oven, five-person spa with cafe blinds, laundry, airconditioning, botanical gardens.
• PRICE $295/night (rates are per couple per night for exclusive use of the property and a minimum of two nights’ accommodation applies)