A cottage amongst the trees, a table beneath the wisteria and gardens with somewhere new to disappear into, 'Sparrow's Cottage' captures the imagination long before revealing the full extent of the home behind its magical gardens.
Built in 1887 by George Sparrow, head gardener of neighbouring Wairoa Estate, its history feels particularly at home in grounds that tumble towards the Aldgate River Valley.
More than a century of life and thoughtful change has given the cottage a generous outlook on family living, with renovations and extensions bringing at least four bedrooms, four living areas, a private study and a purpose-built upstairs suite into its unfolding story.
Take your time. There's a fair bit to fall for…
Through glazed doors and beneath decorative ceilings, the rooms reveal fireplaces with intricate surrounds, richly toned timber floors and long views into greenery, giving each space something of its own to hold your attention.
The sitting room invites an evening by the fireplace, the window-lined dining nook brings the garden to breakfast and the family living zone opens up the possibilities for a home that can comfortably accommodate several generations at once.
With a garden like this, lunch was always likely to spill outdoors, and the country kitchen obliges with deep storage, farmhouse sink, a substantial cooker, central island and generous preparation space.
A private study gives work its own quarters, while the bedrooms retain the generous proportions and period touches that make an older home so appealing, complemented by a bathroom with a freestanding bath beneath its arched window.
Upstairs, a suite with its own kitchenette, walk-in robe and Juliette balcony adds another dimension to the home's hospitality, already set up for Airbnb accommodation and just as tempting as a private guest haven or a main retreat to keep entirely for yourselves.
Outside, stone paths disappear between established planting, flowers gather beneath mature trees and an arbour frames another place to pause. Choose a terrace, set the table and let lunch last as long as the company does.
The former garage has found a creative calling as an art studio and workshop, completing a home where gardening, painting, hosting and retreating can each claim a place of their own.
With Aldgate Village moments away, coffee, provisions and a familiar face remain part of the daily routine, before the return to a garden gate that makes coming home an occasion in itself.
Some places deserve a longer stay.
More to love:
- A historic gardener's cottage extended into a generous Hills home, with at least four bedrooms, four living areas, a versatile upstairs suite and established gardens overlooking the Aldgate River Valley
- Built in 1887 by George Sparrow, head gardener of neighbouring Wairoa Estate
- Thoughtfully renovated and extended while retaining ornate ceilings, traditional fireplaces and period detailing
- Flexible floorplan with multiple spaces to gather, retreat and accommodate guests
- Private study
- Purpose-built upstairs suite with kitchenette, walk-in robe and Juliette balcony
- Upstairs accommodation already set up for Airbnb use, with flexibility as a guest suite or main retreat
- Generous kitchen with panelled cabinetry, central island and substantial cooker
- Window-lined dining nook with garden outlook
- Polished timber floors and glazed doors connecting interiors to the grounds
- Bathroom with freestanding bath beneath an arched window
- Wood fire, reverse-cycle air conditioning and electric fireplace
- Mature trees, seasonal planting, stone terraces and secluded garden paths
- Wisteria-clad entertaining terrace and garden arbour
- Former garage converted into an art studio and workshop
- Double carport, circular driveway and gated entry
- Garden sheds and attic storage
- Alarm system
- Moments from Aldgate Village
CT | 5082/59
Council | Adelaide Hills Council
Zoning | PRuL - Productive Rural Landscape (Z4802)
Land | 4,682sqm (approx)
Council Rates | $4,311.67p.a.
Emergency Services Levy | $263.80p.a.
Estimated rental assessment | Written rental assessment can be provided upon request
Nearby Schools |Heathfield P.S, Aldgate P.S, Stirling East P.S, Bridgewater P.S, Mylor P.S, Heathfield H.S, Oakbank School, Glenunga International H.S, Urrbrae Agricultural H.S, Unley H.S
Disclaimer: Whilst every care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the information provided, Harcourts Adelaide Hills and its associated entities accept no liability for any errors or omissions to the property information provided. All interested parties should undertake their own investigations and seek independent legal and financial advice.
Harcourts Adelaide Hills - RLA 158908.
