Campbell Park Cottage: Amber visits this historic house and ultra modern B&B in the Fleurieu Peninsula region of South Australia
The lonely stone buildings languishing on the shores of Lake Albert point to much more prosperous times when the country around the lower lakes was producing some of the finest wool and best cattle in the state.
Just over the rise is a grand example of that wealth. Campbell Park, a magnificent 1870s homestead set amidst sweeping lawns and framed by giant Norfolk Pines. Campbell Park is on the shores of Lake Albert, near Meningie, about an hour and a half drive south-east of Adelaide.
After being empty and falling in disrepair for 20 years, Campbell Park has been brought back to life by Robbie Davis who says she fell in love with it the first time she saw it.
Robbie Davis, Campbell Park: "I was in a dental surgery and I read a local paper and there was an advertisement for this property. The auction was on the Saturday, we missed out, it went to tender and I won it by the Wednesday. I didn't even know that Meningie even existed and now it's home, the people are amazing, I've made extraordinary friends. And I so love being near the Coorong."
That was in 2002 and thanks to a massive restoration and conservation effort with the help of State Heritage, Campbell Park is now again a rambling family home - complete with observation tower from which to survey the lake and surrounding farmland.
This was once the centrepiece of a sprawling 25-thousand acre property owned by the Bowman family who certainly left their mark on South Australia. They gave us magnificent Martindale Hall in the Clare Valley and Poltalloch Station on neighboring Lake Alexandrina.
Thomas Bowman built Campbell Park in the 1870s as his summer residence. It was 'the' place to escape the scorching heat of Adelaide's summer. The jetty was its main link with the outside world with ketches taking and delivering supplies to and from Milang and beyond. Robbie has plans to one day rebuild this vital link with the lake. Inside the house, it's clear Campbell Park was no ordinary summer residence. Ballroom is the perfect setting each February for a special performance by the Australian String Quartet - one of the ways Robbie shares her property.
The rest of the house features high ceilings, ornate archways and original wallpaper - not to mention five bedrooms. Campbell Park is fit for a king. Well, almost. In 1881 it was extended by building on a master bedroom to accommodate Prince Albert and his brother, George. At the time Albert was second in line to the British Throne.
The main house is, of course the family home but Robbie's so keen to share the Campbell Park experience she's converted the nearby Manager's Cottage into an ultra modern B&B
Robbie Davis, Campbell Park: "I guess it's the antithesis of the main house because the cottage is modern and laid back. Campbell Park, the main house was set up as their beach house or their summer residence so we like to think of this as the shack. So people stay here and think they're at the beach. "
Campbell Park Cottage accommodates three couples in self-contained comfort. You can simply sit back and soak it all in or explore the surrounding outbuildings and grounds and because this is a working property Robbie is happy to introduce you to the black Angus Cattle that thrive on the shores of Lake Albert.
Robbie Davis, Campbell Park: "I've had a few farms in the past with the children and I don't know, there's just something - I'll always have one leg in a paddock. I can't imagine living in the city full time despite having lived in major cities I just feel so at home in a paddock."
It's difficult not to fall in love with Campbell park - with stunning views of Lake Albert - water or no water - great company and no pretence. What more could you want?
Campbell Park Cottage is on the shore of Lake Albert via Meningie. Tariffs begin at $330 per couple for the first night. Contact Robbie on 8575 4228 The Australian String Quartet's next performance at Campbell Park is on February 27, 2010. Phone on 8575 4228
Campbell Park Cottage
Lake Albert Via Meningie
Robbie Davis: 8575 4228Australian String Quartet
Saturday 27 February 2010Published 1st Nov 2009
