The Best Adelaide Hills Accomodation For Your Next Winery Escape

An icon of Adelaide Hills, the turreted, Mediaeval grandeur 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. 

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 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.

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.

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.

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. 

Originally an old mechanic shed, standing alongside three brick Onkaparinga Brick Works kilns, “Old Brickworks” isn’t your run-of-the-mill Airbnb. Located just two-minutes from Lobethal town centre, this rustic two bedroom accommodation features a cosy dining and lounge room, a small open plan kitchen and a beautiful outdoor space with a fire pit and veggie patches.

Sometimes a picture’s worth a thousand words. That’s certainly the case when an Airbnb’s listing leads with an image of three adorable baby alpacas. Carlisle Lodge is surrounded by 80 acres of bird and native wildlife, with beautiful walks along the creek and easy access to nearby cellar doors and restaurants – but we don’t blame you if you just want to hang out with the friendly alpacas that live on the grounds. 

This one-bedroom 1860’s stone cottage offers a real rural getaway experience. Surrounded by cottage gardens and wildlife, inside Aruka is fitted with a claw-foot bath tub, high raked ceilings, and an open fire for cosy winter evenings. There’s games, books and DVDs for rainy days, and outside access to a wood oven, a BBQ and a brazier. The cottage is also close to lots of local wineries, pubs, and cafes, as well as Melba’s Chocolate Factory. Oh, and you can be introduced to the host’s rabbits “upon request”. 

Espira is an exclusive stain 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.