Environment

Caring for Country – Our Environmental Commitment

At Old Coach Road Estate, we’re proud to care for the land we call home. While our stewardship of the villa and surrounding land began in 2019, our deeper connection to this landscape stretches back over 30 years through our ongoing work to regenerate our adjacent farm, "Pambula".

At the heart of our neighbouring property lies a stringybark forest which is a precious patch of native scrubland that’s now protected under a South Australian Heritage Agreement. Rich in biodiversity, it provides essential habitat for local birds, reptiles, and mammals in the Victor Harbor and Hindmarsh Valley region, and enhances the downstream quality of the Hindmarsh River.

Restoring the Landscape – One Plant at a Time

Over the decades, we’ve planted more than 20,000 native trees, shrubs, and grasses to restore land previously cleared by early farming practices. That regeneration work now continues across the Estate itself, with new plantings designed to support wildlife, reduce erosion, and build resilience into the landscape.

We warmly welcome guests who’d like to join in our winter planting sessions,  providing a rewarding way to leave a little legacy of your own.

Low-Impact Luxury – Designed with Nature in Mind

We’re proud to have partnered with ERC Australia to develop a tailored emissions reduction plan, helping us move toward more sustainable operations.

At OCRE, you’ll find:

• Solar power with battery storage and a complimentary EV charger (we encourage daytime charging for maximum solar use)

• Beautiful rainwater throughout the villa providing refreshing rainwater showers and filtered drinking water in the kitchen

• Wastewater is managed onsite, helping to keep our lawns green.

• Easy access to composting, recycling, and waste minimisation facilities in the villa

Every stay at OCRE supports these regenerative efforts, and we’re so grateful to the many guests who share our love for the land.