Fit for a king (and queen)
Luxury takes a delicious turn at this immersive Barossa Valley retreat, nestled in a historical property that’s rich for exploring.
I can barely hear a thing. Not a child whining, not a toy chiming, not a television blaring some excruciatingly overstimulating kids’ show.
Just the barely-there breeze through leafy gum trees, the lazy sway of straw-like grass and the sweetest birdsong overhead.
I’ve walked through to this serene scene via my Valley View Suite at Kingsford the Barossa, just off the Sturt Highway out of Gawler.
Striking floor-to-ceiling windows frame the view from inside the room; a centre arch design serving as an altar to the Barossa’s undulating landscape beyond.
Guests can admire the vista from the king-sized bed, the lounge or, of course, the private verandah, where two chairs are perfectly poised to breathe it all in, while sipping a welcome glass of bubbles. Or perhaps a dip in the plunge pool is more your style …
Kingsford the Barossa’s luxury Valley View Suites opened mid-2021 following a $10 million redevelopment of the property formerly known as Kingsford Homestead.
It’s also formerly known as Drover’s Run – the primary set for iconic Australian drama McLeod’s Daughters, which filmed on site for seven years to 2008.
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At its 225-hectare heart is the original Georgian-style homestead, commissioned in 1856 by British pastoralist Stephen King. The property has changed hands several times since – John Angas, the Fotheringtons, Kerry Packer (for McLeod’s) and the Ahrens family, who were the ones to renovate and open the homestead as five-star accommodation in 2012. They expanded on this offering eight years later, with the modern villas, function room (popular for weddings) and restaurant.
Salter Brothers took things over in 2023 and are ushering in a new era, starting with the appointment of award-winning chef Jake Kellie – best known for his fire-fuelled fare at Norwood’s arkhé – to elevate the dining experience for guests and the public alike. Soon, the group will reintroduce the estate as Ardour Kingsford Barossa under its premium Ardour Hotels and Estates banner.
Pulling up to the historic homestead following a 50-minute drive from Adelaide, the sound of gravel crunching under tyres slowing to a stop, feels like a long overdue exhale. The honey-coloured sandstone facade, the romantic balcony and nature-rich surrounds set the tone for a relaxing escape, even before stepping foot out the car.
I’m greeted by general manager Martin Hamilton and restaurant manager Abby Osbourne, who parks my car and delivers my belongings to my room. It’s then a short stroll to the bar lounge, where my only job is to refresh my face with a cool towel and sip a freshly poured glass of sparkling wine.
This lounge area, complete with fireplace and part of the property’s 2021 expansion, leads to the recently-revamped Orleana restaurant, where I’ll dine later.
The Valley View Suites are situated below. Each one, I’m told, is inspired by a different colour – mine is the “blue room”, defined by the two large pieces of wall art and the lounge suite. But the overall feel is soft and neutral – lots of curves, light timbers and marble accents. Textured, brush-stroked walls flow into the ceiling in one continuous gesture, the rounded corners giving the room a sculpted, cosy feel. Meanwhile, the bathroom is equal parts elegant and practical, with marble-look tiles, a deep bath and separate frosted doors to the shower and toilet.
There’s an attention to detail that one might expect for accommodation at this price point, yet is not always delivered. The windows are spotless. The rod light in the open wardrobe shines bright, illuminating items of clothing Abby has hung for me. A prearranged cheese and charcuterie platter awaits on the well-stocked complimentary bar, which houses local wine and spirits. One needn’t leave the room, really, but there’s more to discover.
Also downstairs is the Kegelbahn – a German-inspired nine-pin bowling alley that offers a bit of fun at any time of day (or night). You’ll also find a 25-metre long “wine tunnel”, fitted with what the team believes to be the longest dining table in South Australia, plus six separate temperature-controlled cellars boasting some of the rarest, and most expensive, wines in the country.
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Think, a 1972 Penfold’s Grange Hermitage, and a collection of 100-year-old Seppeltsfield Para Vintage Tawny.
“We had a group in last week who bought the ’76 Grange,” says Alex Errazquin, who is leading my personal wine tasting on this afternoon.
“You don’t know what you’re going to get – it could be amazing or it could be plonk for $5000. But actually, it held up.”
Alex presents to me five Barossa wines, ranging from the Tscharke Albarino – a Spanish grape variety – to the Barons of Barossa 2009 Shiraz. He shares stories and asks questions along the way to gauge my tastes. This, he tells me, will help him to select wines for my dinner at Orleana later.
Named in tribute to the ship that brought Stephen King to Adelaide in the 1850s, Orleana is a destination in itself. The narrow dining room is offset by sweeping views of the Australian landscape, where you’re sure to spot a few ’roos seeking shade as dusk falls. Service is warm and personable – Abby is a knowledgeable delight – while Jake’s considered menu elevates local produce with fine dining technique.
Back at the room, I enjoy a long bath soak before drifting off on a long night’s sleep – so long, I sleep through breakfast service. Alas, I still felt full from the previous night’s dinner.
Instead, I’m off on an ATV tour – a fun way to gain a greater appreciation of the sprawling landscape and historical buildings, including shearing sheds believed to pre-date the homestead. In those, you’ll spot the Fotherington name carved into the walls, as well as the original pens and bell.
We drive down by the Para River, where guests can enjoy a picturesque “bush bath”; we cut through golden landscapes to take in expansive views; and look out for wildlife along the way. McLeod’s fans will also spot Meg’s cottage, the water tank, and paddocks, where characters rode horses and tended cattle.
For those staying longer, there are various experiences available to personalise your retreat, from outdoor yoga to a sunrise picnic, and a helicopter transfer to Monarto Safari Park.
Just be sure to enjoy the serenity out on that private verandah, and see what you can – or can’t – hear.
This article first appeared in the March 2026 issue of SALIFE magazine.
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