A more-than 170 year old former flour mill that’s been been converted into boutique accommodation with resort-style amenities has hit the market in South Australia.
The Middleton mill property at 29 Mill Terrace on the Fleurieu Peninsula is seeking expressions of interest closing on Thursday 4 June.
The 6,500 square metre estate comes with eight-bedrooms and eight bathrooms spread across the converted mill, pool house and other spaces on the property.
It’s been the family home of Rose Kentish and Sam Harrison for 20 years, who moved there after selling a vineyard in McLaren Vale.
“We bought it from artist David Bromley and Tory Dixon-Whittle, who purchased it years before from interior designer Christopher Norris,” Ms Kentish said.
The Middleton mill at 29 Mill Terrace, Middleton is on the market. Picture: realestate.com.au/buy
“We’ve always seen ourselves as custodians of the building. It’s never felt like we own it completely, more that we’re looking after it, and adding to its story.”
Built circa 1850, the mill building spans across four levels and retains much of its character and charm through soaring ceilings, solid hand-hewn beams and rich timber floors.
At the heart of the home is a magnificent Blackbutt timber kitchen complete with a new electric Aga that anchors the living zones.
This Blackbutt timber kitchen in the main residence is one of three kitchens on the property. Picture: realestate.com.au/buy
With three kitchens and multiple living areas, the layout offers buyers the flexibility of using the space for private living, luxury accommodation or a hybrid lifestyle business.
The upper levels offer a collection of spaces currently used as a painting studio, library and cinema space, as well as bedrooms and kitchens.
The property comes with a swimming pool and outdoor entertaining area. Picture: realestate.com.au/buy
On the ground floor, there is a space that has long served as a gallery and dining room, and was previously a restaurant.
“We’ve always used this as a gallery to showcase Sam’s paintings,” Ms Kentish said.
“But it could just as easily be a restaurant again - we’ve held dinners for 120 people in here.”
The upper levels of the main residence comprise a painting studio, library, cinema space and other spaces. Picture: realestate.com.au/buy
Beyond the main residence, there is the luxury Pago Suites accommodation that the couple created by restoring the existing stables.
The accommodation is made up of four suites featuring king-size bedrooms finished with ensuites and statement bathtubs.
The ground floor has long served as a gallery and dining room. Picture: realestate.com.au/buy
In 2023, Pago was named by Qantas as one of the country’s top 23 places to stay.
“We built Pago from the ruins of the stables,” Ms Kentish said.
The Pago Suites accommodation features king-size bedrooms finished with ensuites. Picture: realestate.com.au/buy
“It was about showing what could be done here, how the property might evolve. People often say it feels like entering another world. And that’s exactly what we hoped for.
“We have a lot of couples stay, or groups getting ready for a local wedding, and sometimes four couples stay to enjoy time together, cooking, swimming, and finding peace and a real sense of sanctuary at Pago.”
The 6,500sqm property is located on the Fleurieu Peninsula. Picture: realestate.com.au/buy
Kim Shorland, real estate agent and director at Harcourts Adelaide Hills, said it was an iconic property.
“What stands out to me about this property is the fact that it can be used for so many different pursuits,” she said.
“It's an iconic property that a lot of people know. They remember the mill, and they remember it for different reasons.
The listing is seeking expressions of interest by June 4. Picture: realestate.com.au/buy
“So now there's people that remember it because they've stayed at the Pago Suites and thoroughly enjoyed that experience. There's people that dined there when it was a restaurant, and there's people that remember it for the wine tasting events.”
Ms Shorland said the flexibility of the property offered various opportunities for buyers, suggesting it could become a wellness retreat, cooking school, wedding venue, and more.
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