News Corp Australia
First published 13 Nov 2024, 12:30am
A stunning Fleurieu Peninsula home, built from 1000 tonnes of glacial stone that lends an old-world charm, could soon be converted to camp-style accommodation or a wellness retreat.
Multiple offers – including some well-above the $4 million price guide – have already been received for 18 Mt Robinson Rd, Torrens Vale but, surprisingly, none appear to be from potential buyers wanting to call the character five-bedroom home their own.
Instead, the offers have detailed myriad business and even philanthropic uses for the 69.46ha property, including a campsite for church groups and a health and wellness facility.
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“I don’t think I’ve had anyone that’s looked at (the property) just as a home, which does surprise me because the house is amazing,” said selling agent Roger Smith, from Elders Real Estate.
“I’ve had one family from the Northern Territory but they’re looking to buy it and then turn it into a Christian camp.
The timeless looking home at 18 Mt Robinson Rd, Torrens Vale. Supplied
How’s that for an outlook. Supplied
It’s hard to believe this property is just 25-years-old. Supplied
“We’ve also got people looking at it as a wellness retreat.
“We’ve had heaps of offers, all from interesting people … looking at it from a tourism perspective or a corporate wellness retreat and things like that.”
Boasting spectacular views, the home was a two-year labour of love for its vendors, Deb and Rod Steinert, who were keen to ensure it blended harmoniously with its surroundings.
Many of the stone walls were handcrafted from the property’s own small stone quarry, with the multi-coloured quartz making the home look as though it has been there for more than a century when, in reality, it’s just 25 years old.
How’s that for a central courtyard? Supplied
Fireplace and chandelier to boot. Supplied
A courtyard again belies the home’s age, with 200-year-old Chinese Elm entrance doors, originally from a province north of Shanghai.
With a cosy open fireplace, this fully-enclosed space links the main residence to two self-contained two-bedroom units used by the Steinert’s adult children when they visited but also ideal for tourist accommodation or Airbnb rentals.
There is also a four-bedroom shearer’s quarters with separate lounge, dining and kitchen areas and a range of outbuildings and farm infrastructure.
Dams are dotted throughout the property, including a “recreational lake” stocked with Murray cod, silver perch and redfin.
A closer look at the stunning stonework. Supplied
Louvres make the most of cooling breezes. Supplied
The home’s stunning kitchen. Supplied
And one of the cosy bedrooms. Supplied
Mrs Steinert, a former draftsperson, played a large part in the design of the home and relished the opportunity to showcase natural materials.
“Architecture was my thing and I really wanted to build something that was of the earth,” she said.
“It was not ever meant to be grand or anything like that.
“We just wanted to utilise the different materials and make it organic.”
Mrs Steinert was saddened by the prospect of selling the property but said she and her husband were moving interstate to be closer to their children.
Regardless of who bought the property and what they used it for, she hoped they would love it as much as she had.
“It’s going to be really tough leaving this house because so much of me is in it,” she said.
“I hope whoever buys it really, really appreciates it for what it is and maintains it and upkeeps it to the level that we have.”
Offers for the property close on Thursday.
English (US) · 