Travel guide Mt Barker Area

11 Druids Avenue
Mt Barker SA


The large and beautiful front gardens are a welcome surprise and the house is set well back, seeming to nestle within its leafy surrounds. It is a beautiful heritage-listed building, which makes you feel as though you are stepping back in time.


Overall rating?    Outstanding

What makes Dumas House different?
The house was originally the home of the Dumas family (Charles Dumas founded the local newspaper) and there are many interesting mementos and historic touches that reflect the house’s history. The rear garden is a stand out feature of the property, not least because of the heritage-listed and majestic English oak but also thanks to the glorious gardens that provide an explosion of colour.

Accommodation overview
There are three bedrooms; the master bedroom is off the lounge and features a magnificent four-poster bed. The second bedroom has a queen-size bed and is adjacent to the bathroom, while the third bedroom is off a small sitting room and also has a queen-size bed. All linen and towels are provided.

All the bedrooms are extremely comfortable and have been lovingly restored, with grand mirrors and interesting ornaments and memorabilia, along with tasteful décor.

Facilities overview
Dumas House has two lounge areas, the main one featuring a grand dining setting, fireplaces and a TV area. This then leads into the hallway, which connects the bathroom, the two smaller bedrooms and the second lounge area. From this lounge you can access the front verandah, overlooking the beautiful gardens. There is also a fully equipped and modern kitchen, for those who plan to whip up a gourmet spread using produce from the artisan providores of the region.

The house features an impressive air-conditioning system, which adds to the comfort. There is one bathroom in the house, which has been modernised and has a spa.

The backyard is extremely large and has a large, fenced swimming pool, an undercover BBQ and outdoor dining area. The century old English oak is the centrepiece to these intricate and glorious gardens. This is such a generous and beautiful space that it could hold a wedding or garden party in grand style.

Location
Mount Barker is remarkably close to the Adelaide CBD, in fact it is only 35 minutes straight down the South Eastern Freeway (Princes Highway) and very easy to find. It is perfectly located as a base to explore the Adelaide Hills region and all it has to offer. The historic village of Hahndorf is a must-see and only 10 minutes away by car.

There are a number of shops and restaurants close by.

Suitable for children?    No

Suitable for pets?           No

Wheelchair access?       Not specifically designed for wheelchair access, but may be suitable depending on requirements. There are no stairs and all the bedrooms are roomy enough to accommodate a wheelchair, however the bathroom is not modified. Check when enquiring.   

Perfect for?
Couples looking for a romantic break, or two couples travelling together. Families with much older children – at the operator’s discretion, of course. Perhaps even small wedding groups or a well-behaved hen’s weekend group.

Why stay longer?
We loved visiting Hahndorf and we also went to Shaw & Smith winery, which makes my favourite Australian white wine! Make sure you drive to the summit of Mount Barker and then take the walk to the top, which gives a 360 degree view of the region.

We absolutely loved sitting in the wonderful back garden and contemplating the magnificent oak tree, the four-poster bed was a pleasure to sink into at night, especially after enjoying a glass of the complimentary port. There is a lot to love about Dumas House!

Why you wouldn’t stay longer?
Mount Barker is a very sleepy town – not a bad thing, but if you crave nightlife and high-end dining options, then you may prefer to stay somewhere a little livelier. However there are plenty of dining options within a short drive.

Pricing
We paid $490 for the weekend, but there are seasonal rates, so Dumas House accommodation listing for details.