New Luxury Getaway, Kingsford Homestead Opens in Australia's Barossa Valley

After completing a full renovation from working sheep station into a seven-suite, all-inclusive property, the new Kingsford Homestead will be ready to invite visitors when it opens July 1, 2012.

Dating back to 1856, Kingsford Homestead was originally built from Scottish sandstone transported to Australia and served as an authentic sheep station. It gained local recognition in a popular television series McLeod's Daughters which aired in Australia and around the globe from 2001-2009. Kingsford Homestead's day-to-day operations are overseen by Pat and Sally Kent, former managers of one of the Luxury Lodges of Australia, Arkaba Station, and its secluded location showcases a full panoramic view of the vast Barossa Valley and North Para River.

The property has been completely converted to include five suites on an upper story, a single suite on the ground floor, and a Stonemason's Cottage at the rear of the property, which features a cozy lounge room with fireplace, generous double shower and spa bath, and a private walled garden. Each suite is uniquely styled with contemporary French-inspired décor, and all rooms offer luxurious amenities and classic comfort, including L'Occitane en Provence products in bathrooms and complementary wireless Internet.

Food and wine play an integral part of the Kingsford Homestead experience, as the on-site chef Stuart Oldfield–a country cook-turned-chef who was raised on an Aussie farm–utilizes local produce in his dishes, including three- and five-course tasting menus. Oldfield sources from local Barossa producers, and guests can expect to meet a few of them when they stop by the kitchen to drop off some freshly harvested fare. After enjoying wine and canapés at sunset, guests can retreat to the underground wine cellar stocked with fine Barossa and other exclusive South Australia wines to complement the local menu.

Guests can relax in several areas of the property, including an al fresco “bush bath”–an oversized freestanding tub perched in a secluded corner of the property that overlooks the river. An afternoon out on the veranda with a glass of Barossa wine complements the picturesque views of the surrounding hillside. The homestead also features a 24-hour lounge equipped with a fireplace and television. Historic sheep shearing sheds lie west of the property and remain open for guests to explore or function as event spaces for weddings and private parties. Kingsford Homestead will open a pool and spa on property in October 2012.

Kingsford Homestead's idyllic location in the Barossa Valley allows visitors to take wine tours at notable nearby winemakers that are a 10-minute drive from the property. Thirty minutes to the north are the wineries of Clare Valley producing some of Australia's finest Riesling. Additionally, visitors can partake in sunrise hot-air balloon rides, play a round of golf at the scenic course at Jacob's Creek estate, or walk about the property's rolling hills and river gorges to keep an eye out for kookaburras, parrots, wedge-tailed eagles, and kangaroos.

Kingsford Homestead will welcome guests for an all-inclusive stay; rates range from USD$768-$875 per night, minimum two-night stay. Private car transfers from Adelaide are easily arranged for $175 with a maximum four passengers, one way. Bookings can be made by phone at 08.8524.8120 or by e-mailing res@kingsfordhomestead.com.au. For more information about Kingsford Homestead, visit www.kingsfordhomestead.com.au and for addition details on South Australia.