The Granary at Old Noarlunga Riverfront

The Granary- an unforgettable experience !

Step back in time at the 1847 built and heritage listed "The Granary at Old Noarlunga", which occupies the commanding riverfront position in the River Port of Old Noarlunga. Its thick stone walls were constructed using river stones laid on Willunga slate, mined locally. It is positioned alongside the man-made river flat and slipway which in the 1840's to 1850's operated River Trading Barges "Maid of the Mill" and "Onkaparinga".

The barges were towed by draught horses along a tow path down the Onkaparinga River to ships hanging from chains inside the reef at Port Noarlunga and brought back valuable building materials and trade goods, with a hint of liquor smuggling to boot !. Originally signwritten on every wall and the roof, with Amgoorie Tea, Lyons Coffee, Agar Sugar, and Pauchong Tea, the Granary was converted into a house in 1927 by installation of ornate ceilings, windows, and varnished wooden floorboards.

In 2008 it was bought by its current owners, David and Donna, who rediscovered its partially stocked, liquor smuggling storeroom and upgraded the building with a new kitchen with all modern appliances, reroofed it with a heritage grant in Galvanised Iron, and upgraded the grounds. Particular care was taken to preserve the historic features by leaving the draughthorse hitching post, riverfront and slipway untouched. Secure offstreet parking. Electric remote control gates and secure gatehouse for safety, peace and privacy.

Follow the Onkaparinga river by supplied canoe, bike or an easy walk as it wraps around the township, cradling the old style english village in its natural setting. As one of the very first settlements in South Australia, it was laid out like a small English village, complete with Market Square, main street with character shops, a pub and churches. Either side of the township is a stunning national park. Cross the Onkaparinga River by the Bream Nursery into the National Park walking trails.

At your own pace (and risk), use the 3 seater Canadian canoe (lifenjackets and paddles provided), and explore the Onkaparinga River by bike path or by paddling, to the River mouth at Port Noarlunga and return. Try your hand at catching huge freshwater Bream, or Saltwater Mulloway from your own exclusive riverfront and jetty. The river is tidal, alternating between fresh and salt water, attracting unusual birdlife and providing excellent fishing. The nearby upstream Bream nursery keeps the river well stocked with sizable fish. A short walk to recreation facilities, market square and a la carte hotel.

Old Noarlunga is positioned at the end of the new southern expressway, 32 minutes by car from the city. Walk from the granary to the new Seaford Meadows electric train station. Visit the McLaren Vale Tourist Information Office and Southern Vales wineries. Explore a number of top quality beaches nearby. Play golf at Willunga. Day trip to Goolwa,Port Elliott, Middleton, Victor Harbor and return.

In winter, snuggle up with a bottle or two of local vintage port, and re-read Wind in the Willows (supplied) in front of the log fire gas heater, and just watch the river flow by... In summer, open the french doors to the master bedroom, lay in bed with the cool breeze wafting up from the river, and watch the moonlight twinkling on the river, with the occasional splash of a big fish passing by.

Wake to the rich sounds of riverside birdlife in the mornings or use the supplied bbq and entertaining area on the rear deck at sunset.

The street front for the property is gated to provide privacy and secure offstreet car parking for 3 cars. There is a key safe on the gatehouse post which enables late check in.. The combination number to open it will be supplied on booking.