13 Of The Best Adelaide Hills Accommodation Options For Vacays With Vino

An icon of Adelaide Hills, the baroque towers and fantasy turrets of Thorngrove Manor makes it one of the most unique places to stay in the region. The multi-towered hotel is abundant with gables, spires and archways, with each guest room fitted with artisan-crafted furniture with modern amenities.

There’s also a silver-service restaurant in the manor, so exclusive it has a minimum ten-day notice period for bookings. It’s located in the leafy suburb of Stirling, an easy distance from local cafes, restaurants and the stunning Mount Lofty Botanic Gardens. 

If you made the trip to Adelaide Hills for luxury lodgings, indulgent spa treatments or fine dining restaurants, you may not need to leave the walls of Mount Lofty House. Built in 1852 by prominent statesman Arthur Hardy, the manor soon became South Australia’s go-to venue for lavish and infamous parties for Adelaide’s social elites.

After the fires of Ash Wednesday burnt Mount Lofty House to the ground, it was rebuilt into its current form, complete with an onsite swimming pool, croquet lawn, tennis court and revered restaurant Hardy’s Verandah. The estate is set on 18 acres of native gardens and English-style rose gardens, and located next door to Cleland Conservation park, Mount Lofty Botanic Gardens and the Mount Lofty summit lookout.

Sitting high on 16 acres with epic views of apple orchards, vineyards, paddocks and forest, this two-bedroom stone home in South Australia’s Adelaide Hills oozes character. Grab a cuppa and pad out to the deck where you’ll find a claw foot bath calling out for bubbles. It’s a stunning spot to soak away your stresses, night or day.

Travelling in the cooler months? Whip up an apple crumble in the vintage wood-fired Aga at this accommodation. All you’ll need is ice-cream as the recipe and ingredients are there ready and waiting. Come nightfall, there’s the best backyard firepit to gather around and gaze up at the stars.

Lost Retreats are a trio of hand-crafted lodges built in South Australia using sustainable and recycled materials where possible. Nestled in Adelaide Hills’ Mount Osmond, Willunga Hill and Mount Jagged, each retreat has been thoughtfully designed to inspire guests to embrace the tranquillity of off-grid living.

The Mount Jagged property is a lakeside retreat, tucked between a pristine lake and sprawling vineyards, built with reused and recycled timber reminiscent of an alpine chalet. The Mount Osmond stay, named the Skyline Retreat, offers unparalleled views over the Adelaide CBD and beyond to the ocean, while the cabin at Willunga Hill is set amongst a regrowth eucalypt forest, with panoramic views over rolling vineyards.

Looking for a spot to host a small group getaway? This three-bedroom accommodation in the heart of the Adelaide Hills has everything for the best stay. You’re a cycle ride away from some of South Australia’s most popular wineries here and some bikes are even provided for guest use by the thoughtful host. 

This place has country cottage vibes, with its red brick exterior, tiled floors and cosy furnishings, but look elsewhere and you’ll find some tempting extras too. The round cedar hot tub is just the place for an outdoor bath; there’s a pizza oven in the light-covered alfresco dining area, and you can top off your night with a pool comp in the games room too.

It may only be 30sqm in size, but this custom designed cabin, tucked away amongst the gum trees, is a romantic’s paradise. A short drive from some of the best cafes, wineries and boutique shopping destinations in the Adelaide Hills, your accommodation is a top spot from which to explore the region and stays include a gourmet breakfast box full of local produce.

Step inside and you’ll find custom made hardwood timber cabinetry, constructed with timber milled from fallen trees on the property after the Cudlee Creek Bushfire. There’s a wood-fired heater, reverse cycle air conditioning and floor to ceiling windows with epic rural views. As one of the one of the highest ranked Airbnb homes, based on ratings, reviews and reliability, this is one of the best romantic getaways.

Set in the historic township of Macclesfield, Longview Vineyard is a luxury accommodation comprising 12 king suites, a lovingly restored homestead that sleeps up to 12 guests, and a brand new lodge for up to eight guests.

Located on a stunning family-owned Adelaide Hills vineyard, framed by picturesque undulating slopes, guests at Longview have access to its on-site cellar door and kitchen, as well as a day spa with a range of wellness experiences on offer.

Ever dreamed of clip-clopping your way through the bush on horseback? It’s possible to combine a spot of riding with an indulgent farm stay at this accommodation in the Adelaide Hills. Not only will you find ponies grazing peacefully in the paddocks around your antique English-style cottage, but you might be able to join a trail ride if you pre-book in advance for an additional cost. You’ll need to check whether your experience is suitable for the horses and ponies available.

If you don’t end up whacking a hard hat on your head, how about popping open a complimentary champagne and unwinding in the outdoor spa bath instead? There’s plenty of handmade chocolates to indulge in. Plus a fridge stocked with full breakfast provisions, including local bacon, eggs, tomatoes, fruit, yoghurt, juice, milk and local artisan bread.

This 14-suite, adults-only luxury lodge is burrowed in the nature of Adelaide’s Mount Lofty – affectionately known as Koala Mountain. Sequoia Lodge’s 30-acre property blends into the Adelaide Hills Botanic Gardens on one side of the peak, and thousands of acres of national park on the other.

The accommodation boasts three thermal pools, with each suite equipped with a cosy fireplace and deep-soaking bathtub. Sequoia Lodge is also just 30 minutes from the renowned wineries of Tapanappa, Yangarra and Penfolds, and just next door to hatted restaurant Hardy’s Verandah.

Originally built by hand in the 1970s and lovingly restored over the past year, Juniper Grove is a cosy little log cabin, nestled in the Adelaide Hills.

Equipped with board games, a record player, a fireplaces, a generous pantry, a freestanding bath and a massive book collection, this Airbnb is perfect for a snuggly day indoors. And when the sun’s out, you can step straight out into two acres of forest and creekland, home to dozens of bird species, kangaroos, koalas and echidnas. 

Like your Adelaide Hills accommodation with plenty of character? This unique Airbnb was originally an old mechanic shed sitting on a spot that was home to the Onkaparinga Brick Works. The property sits next to the original three brick kilns.

Located just two-minutes from Lobethal town centre, your home away from home is rustic, unique and full of vintage charm, with a cosy dining and lounge room and a small open plan kitchen. Pull on your shoes and head outside to the outdoor veggie patch—there's plenty of space for hanging out with cheese and wine, playing giant jenga or stoking a blaze on the outdoor fire pit.

Farm stay eat your heart out. We’re taking things to the next level with the best alpaca stud instead. Book a getaway at Carlisle Lodge in the Adelaide Hills and you’ll get to see these cheeky, fluffy characters literally munching away outside your front door.

Inside your accommodation, you’ll find cosy, farmhouse style decor and there’s pretty garden views from the lengthy private deck. Want to really embrace the farm stay spirit? You can pat the alpacas and help feed them if you want. Rather leave it to the experts? There’s easy access to nearby cellar doors and restaurants and guests can use the on-site gym too.

Espira is an exclusive stay within the stunning Casa Freschi vineyard in Adelaide Hills. Surrounded by acres of grapevines and undulating hills, just footsteps from the cellar door, this glass-walled sanctuary is designed to help you connect with nature.

Supplied with a complimentary bottle of wine from the organic vineyard, this chic cabin is equipped with an indoor fireplace, an outdoor fire pit, and even an outdoor bath if you’re feeling brave. Espira is all about the little details too, with wireless phone chargers, yoga mats, meditation pillows and a rainfall shower. You might even get a surprise visit from the local koalas, echidnas and kangaroos that live around the grounds.