Historic Woodside lifestyle property and vineyard
This fully-renovated historic cottage in Woodside sits on an impressive 12.54 hectares and is surrounded by some of the Adelaide Hills’ best wineries.
Retired couple Kym Davis and Kirsten Tyler had been living at Oakbank and were on the lookout for a larger property when they stumbled upon 86 Bird in Hand Road, Woodside.
“We were looking for a bigger property, a slightly more substantial house,” says Kym, who is now a primary producer. “As soon as we drove up the driveway, we thought, ‘well, this is probably going to be pretty close to what we want.”
Kym and Kirsten were drawn to the historic character of the home, as well as the picture-perfect views from the property.
“It had a lot of both old and new aspects, which really appealed to us,” says Kym.
“It’s got a lot of spaciousness, good views, and a good aspect whichever way you look at it – we feel lucky that we live here.”
The location was also perfect, being just a stone’s throw away from Bird in Hand winery, Artwine and Simon Tolley Wines.
“When Bird in Hand used to hold the concerts there, we used to be able to walk down through the vines from our front gate, and we obviously enjoyed some of the produce as well,” says Kym.
“We’re well served by wineries and nature, really.”
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With the house renovated by its former owners, there was little for Kym and Kirsten to do in terms of structural changes to the dwelling.
However, they have carried out cosmetic changes, including putting in new ceilings, fascia and carpets in the cottage area.
“We’ve done a number of improvements to the place since we’ve been there, but we haven’t had the need to build on because it’s quite a large residence anyway,” says Kym. Set on some 12.54 hectares, the stone house was constructed in the 1880s and includes four bedrooms, three bathrooms and space for up to six cars.
The master suite features a spacious en suite and a walk-in wardrobe.
Other highlights of the house include the open plan kitchen and dining area, a roomy cellar, a formal lounge room and library, a study and a large entertaining terrace.
Kym credits Kirsten for the interiors, which follow a classic country-style theme.
Kym tells SALIFE that the layout of the home allows them to have plenty of privacy.
“You can work in the library or up in the office of the modern living room area. There are lots of places you can go, really, to find your own space when needed,” he says.
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Outdoors, Kym and Kirsten have put a lot of love into the garden, which attracts birds such as kookaburras.
The garden features box hedging, a veggie patch, shrubs, clivias and pear trees. There is also a pond full of fish and lilies, and a full-sized tennis court.
The property also boasts its own vineyard, where Kym and Kirsten have grown varietals over the years, including prosecco grapes supplied to Artwine and Coriole vineyards.
One of Kym’s favourite outdoor spots is underneath a 70-year-old oak tree, where the couple have entertained guests over the years.
“We’ve got a wonderful old oak tree in the front garden, which is lit at night, and we’ve had some good Christmases out on the lawns and functions and parties out under that,” says Kym.
“Then on the other side, we’ve got the pond and we’ve set up for Christmas lunches overlooking that and down the valley as well. So, it just makes it an enjoyable place to entertain.”
Kym says his favourite part of the property is the beautiful views.
“When I’m mowing the lawns, I particularly like the area around the pond and the various aspects of whichever way you look, you’re getting a nice view,” says Kym.
However, after more than 14 years of calling Woodside home, Kym and Kirsten have decided to downsize.
It is the views, alongside the villa’s blend of old and new, that Kym will miss the most.
“I think it’s just that blend of old and new of the house and the views – the substantial garden, the trees, the foliage, the water – it’s just a good mix,” says Kym.
The sale of 86 Bird in Hand Road, Woodside, is being handled by Arabella Hooper and Taryn Varcoe of Harris Real Estate.
