Kurralta House, 1846
Listed with the National Trust and set within stunning established gardens, Kurralta House is one of Adelaide’s oldest houses.
History
Kurralta House was originally home to Dr William Wyatt, who arrived from England in 1837 aged 32, and lived in South Australia until his death in 1887. A trained surgeon, Dr Wyatt spent his South Australian years in public service - as an officer of the Government, magistrate, coroner, and community leader.
Drawn to the Mount Lofty Ranges foothills, Wyatt chose 96 acres in present-day Burnside. Kurralta House was designed by architect George Strickland Kingston, and was positioned to command views over the surrounding plains and St Vincent’s Gulf - ‘Kurralta’ being the Indigenous word for ‘on the hill’. Completed in 1846, it was home to Wyatt and his family.
With a simple Georgian facade, yet grand interior, Kurralta House has fourteen rooms, the largest being the original drawing room. Heritage listed and sensitively restored to preserve historical details, the house features the original front door, windows, internal doors, and ornate fireplace surrounds. The original workmen’s cottages were also restored, and converted into two bedroom, fully self-contained accommodation.
Architecturally ahead of its time, the house’s walls are between 18 inches and two feet thick, and an ingenious cooling system pipes gully breezes through a water-cooled screen into the cellar and kitchen areas. Wyatt’s young son’s initials, scratched into a windowpane, are still visible today.
A keen gardener, Wyatt also established the beginnings of Kurralta House’s gardens, with nearby First Creek providing ample water during dry Adelaide summers.
Accommodation
6 Bedrooms — 4 Bathrooms — Sleeps 10
Exclusively for adults, Kurralta House has six bedrooms in total, perfect for small groups of friends & family seeking a secluded, tranquil escape - yet conveniently just minutes from Adelaide city. The main house has one king and three queen bedrooms, and three luxurious bathrooms. Two additional single bedrooms and a bathroom in the charming original workmen’s Cottages provide extra accommodation.
Beautifully restored and finished to a high standard, Kurralta House offers truly five-star accommodation. All rooms have been individually styled, with premium linens, designer furnishings, fabrics and wallpapers. The king bedroom features its own opulent ensuite, with marble tiling, Arcisan Synergii shower, and a deep soaking bath overlooking the treetops.
Choose from a range of classic and contemporary books available for guests, and spend a quiet afternoon reading in the drawing room, with views out over the gardens. There’s also a further living room, allowing plenty of space for everyone to relax. Watch Netflix & your favourite movies on one of three Smart TVs.
At the heart of the Kurralta House is the stunning, state of the art kitchen. Anchored by an Arabescato marble island, there are five different cooking stations, including an AGA with six cast-iron ovens, steam oven, convection oven, and Otto Wilde griller. The adjacent scullery is stocked with a variety of cookware and dinnerware for all your entertaining needs. Spend time cooking your favourite meals while chatting with friends & family over a glass of wine, before enjoying meals in the grand dining room that seats 22.
The extensive grounds at Kurralta House are magical in all seasons. Wander the gardens, and picnic on the expansive lawns. Enjoy afternoons playing tennis on the full-sized tennis court, with racquets & balls provided.
An outdoor deck with dining area seating 10, Weber BBQ, and raised fire pit area captures stunning city views. Set within secluded mature gardens, it’s the perfect spot for long lunches, and toasting marshmallows at night under the stars.
Exclusive Offer
Simply book two or more nights and mention Historic Stays, to receive a complimentary bottle of local wine.
“Kurralta House was the perfect luxurious escape, tranquil and elegant. The attention to detail was incredible - plush bedding, luxurious furnishings, and the surrounding gardens are simply stunning. Karen, our host, further elevated our experience with her warm hospitality, and went above and beyond to make us feel truly cared for.”
Special Features
Heritage Listed
Botanic Gardens
Fully Self-Contained
Tennis Court
Things To Do
Kurralta House is just 15 minutes from Adelaide’s CBD, and 30 minutes from Adelaide Airport. Visit nearby Burnside Village for a wide selection of designer and boutique stores. World-class wine and culinary experiences await at the iconic Penfolds Wines and Magill Estate Restaurant.
The Adelaide Hills region is a wonderful day trip, with some of Australia’s finest cool‑climate wineries. At family-owned Bird in Hand , enjoy cellar‑door tastings, visit the tasting room at The Lane Vineyard , and indulge in a long lunch at Pike & Joyce Wines in Lenswood, with stunning views. Howard Vineyard’s Clover & Stone restaurant, within a restored stone barn, is a wonderful choice for special occasions.
Visit the historic township of Stirling, dating to 1854, and continue onward to Hahndorf, Australia’s oldest surviving German settlement, where you can explore charming shops, bakeries, pubs, and galleries.
