About Old Coach Road Estate
Old Coach Road Estate (OCRE) is an exclusive, self-contained luxury retreat set on 200 acres of private bushland and rolling hills in Hindmarsh Valley, just 10 minutes from Victor Harbor and under an hour from Adelaide on South Australia’s Fleurieu Peninsula.
With its unique architectural design, the beautifully appointed villa offers sweeping views over Victor Harbor, Encounter Bay, and the Southern Ocean, providing an idyllic backdrop for those seeking seclusion, comfort, and nature in perfect balance.
With three spacious king bedrooms, an open wood fireplace, gourmet kitchen, and expansive decks that flow to the outdoors, OCRE is ideal for romantic escapes, wellness-focused getaways, or luxury group stays for up to 8 guests. Every stay includes thoughtful touches and premium amenities, from locally sourced breakfast provisions to native flowers and eco-friendly comforts.
Whether you're here to unwind, explore, or simply soak in the stillness, Old Coach Road Estate is your private gateway to one of South Australia’s most serene, sustainable, and award-winning luxury experiences.
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Honouring Country and Culture
We acknowledge the Ngarrindjeri, Ramindjeri, and Peramangk peoples as the Traditional Owners of the land on which Old Coach Road Estate stands. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging, and recognise their deep, ongoing connection to Country — a connection we are privileged to witness and honour every day.
This region holds profound cultural and spiritual significance, especially through the Dreaming stories of Ngurunderi and Kondoli. Ngurunderi, a key ancestral being in Ngarrindjeri lore, shaped the land and waterways during his journey. Kondoli, a powerful figure who became the whale, is central to a creation story that explains the origin of sea creatures, birds, and animals — stories still told today with reverence and care.
As part of our commitment to recognising and celebrating this heritage, guests will find an original artwork by Ngarrindjeri artist Cedric Varcoe at the Estate. His painting vividly depicts the journeys of Ngurunderi and Kondoli, offering a meaningful point of reflection during your stay. A handwritten version of Cedric’s retelling is included in our printed Visitor Guide.
History and Connections to a Bygone Era
In the early days of European settlement, Old Coach Road was a very rough track, traversed in by those travelling in horse drawn vehicles from Mount Compass to Victor Harbor. Nowadays it is a “no through” tree-lined dirt road with stunning views on both sides. Remnants of the cart wheel ruts that were carved into the ground can still be seen today in parts of the OCRE paddocks adjoining the current road.
Pambula, the farm adjacent to Old Coach Road Estate, overlooks Hindmarsh Valley down to Victor Harbor. We purchased Pambula in 1993 and we enjoyed observing the slow but steady development of OCRE next door. When we had the opportunity to purchase the OCRE property in 2019, we just couldn't wait to renovate the home with the environment in mind and continue the revegetation and restoration of the surrounding natural environment. With the house renovation we replaced all windows and doors with floor to ceiling double glazing, maximised the collection of rainwater from the roof and added solar panels, preparing OCRE for others to enjoy the place whilst reducing the potential impact upon the environment. The home is totally dependent upon rainwater alone, providing beautiful showers for our guests! The regeneration of the natural environment around OCRE continues as we work to control weeds and revegetate the creek-lines and swampy areas of the property. The surrounding paddocks are sparingly grazed by our Black Angus cattle and Boer goats, utilising regenerative agricultural practises to minimise adverse impacts. The biodiversity of Pambula and OCRE has improved dramatically in the years since 1993, and now we have the opportunity to share this special place with our guests.
Restoration and Revegetation
Since purchasing the adjacent farm in 1993, our family has worked hard to preserve and enhance the natural environment through protection of remnant heritage scrub and revegetation of the working farm using local native species. It is estimated that more than 20,000 trees and bushes have been grown as a result of this work we have undertaken on “Pambula”, which includes some 20km of direct seeding of groundcover, bushes and trees that are native to the region.
This has resulted in improvement of the amenity of the environs and has attracted a wide range of birds that are now seen on the property each day. Not only is the area now a bird-lovers' paradise, but the revegetation also provides better shelter for the stock and improved pasture quality.
A New Chapter: Renovation
In 2019 the opportunity arose to purchase the property south of Pambula which included the OCRE house, and we saw this as an opportunity to renovate the house, rejuvenate the land and create a beautiful place for others to stay while enabling them to get close to nature. So although OCRE was purchased only relatively recently, our family is very connected with it, having had our 3 children grow up enjoying the adjacent property and watching the changes at OCRE during the past several decades.
We’re passionate about what we have achieved together on the broader property which now, together with OCRE, measures more than 200 acres. We are thrilled to provide the opportunity for others to enjoy some of South Australia’s native wildlife and flora and such natural beauty in an environmentally friendly, yet luxurious way.
Your Luxurious Fleurieu Getaway Awaits
Old Coach Road Estate (OCRE) has been transformed into a luxurious villa situated on our beautiful 201 acre rural property overlooking Victor Harbor and Granite Island. The views are absolutely stunning and the location is secluded, with heritage scrub and wildlife, yet multiple attractions and gorgeous beaches and waterfalls are only a few minutes drive away. The beautiful home features internal walls and an open fireplace of local stone, is fully air-conditioned yet eco-friendly with solar panels, double glazing, rainwater supply and environmentally friendly waste management.
Our guests love the personalised preparation we undertake for their stay, with pillow preferences, selection of their preferred complimentary wine and/or spirits included. OCRE guests enjoy the large hamper of local sweet and savoury treats, and the local cheese platter that awaits their arrival. Other luxuries include toiletries, bath salts to use in the gorgeous claw foot bath with fluffy gowns and slippers to complete the experience. And of course it is hard to beat the luxury of pure rainwater baths and showers, especially when followed by sipping local port in front of the open fire! Of course we have the fireplace fully prepared and ready to light and firewood is provided free of charge.
Words From
Our Guests
Bliss, that is what you will feel after staying here. Stunning views of Hindmarsh Valley from every window. The house is well equipped and very comfortable, the fireplace is amazing. Leaving the sounds of the city behind as the only sound here is that of the birds in the nearby bush land. Watch the local wild kangaroos as they graze in nearby paddocks from the comfort of the verandahs, walk in bushland or just get comfy on one of the couches in front of the fireplace. The house is only a short drive to Mount Compas or Victor Harbor for supplies.