Ballara Retreat

Welcome to Ballara Retreat, situated just 2 1/2 hours from Adelaide, South Australia, in the small town of Warooka on Southern Yorke Peninsula. A beautiful old stone home built in the early (Phone number hidden by Airbnb) s, Ballara can accommodate up to 6 adults in 3 rooms, with shared bathroom. The house sits on 4 town blocks, surrounded by art-inspired gardens and the huge, lawned 'Mrs Baker's Backyard'. A large outdoor entertaining area has wonderful views across rural countryside down to the ocean only 5km away. Follow us on (Hidden by Airbnb) : @ballara.retreat A brief history of Ballara... Ballara is the 100-year-old family home built for William and Emilia (Millie) Baker & their five children. Built in (Phone number hidden by Airbnb) , it is understood Millie would not come to Warooka until the house was finished and furnished! Wise woman! William Baker came to Warooka as a young boy in (Phone number hidden by Airbnb) with his mother, sister and 2 brothers, after the sudden death of his father. In the early (Phone number hidden by Airbnb) s, Will and his brother Alf became storekeepers, trading as Baker Bros. and running 2 stores in Warooka. Will, Alf and younger brother, Tom, also went on to become farmers. William met Millie when she came from Ballarat to visit her sister who lived at Warooka. Millie named her new home 'Ballara' in memory of her home town. A feature of the house is its ornate ceilings, and story has it that visitors came from afar especially to view them. William ran a wheat agency from an office on the front verandah and was also a contact for World War 1 recruitment. In (Phone number hidden by Airbnb) , William sadly died at only 50 years of age, leaving Millie on her own with their 5 children Doreen, Dulcie, William jr. (Bill), Ron, and Betsy. Millie died in (Phone number hidden by Airbnb) and Ron continued living at Ballara until his death in (Phone number hidden by Airbnb) Having never married and with no children of his own, Ron left the house and contents to his 10 nieces and nephews. After the family furniture was divided, Bill bought the house and placed it in the names of his three daughters. Carli and Penny were both able to enjoy some time living in the family home. Ballara still remains in the Baker family and is currently being cared for by Bill’s youngest daughter, Steph. Guests have exclusive access to the entire property - this really is your 'home away from home'! As often as possible, your hosts Steph and/or Lianne will be there to greet you on arrival to show you around and answer any questions or concerns you may have. Otherwise, a key will be left for you in a suitable spot to be determined before your arrival for you to let yourself in at your leisure. You can even request one or the other if you like! There are extensive instructions and more information for your convenience available in folders on the kitchen counter. Warooka is situated on Southern Yorke Peninsula, South Australia, approximately 250km from Adelaide. Easy to find, Ballara is in the Main Street opposite the local primary school. Southern Yorke Peninsula is surrounded by the sea and is well known for its spectacular coastal scenery. The popular Innes National Park is only 50km from Warooka, but there is so much more to be discovered in the way of secluded beaches and cliff top magnificence! The North coast (unusual in mainland Southern Australia) boasts beautiful, white, sandy beaches perfect for swimming. The West coast has many great surf locations, including the never-ending sands of Berry Bay, Pondalowie, Formby Bay and Daly Head (the latter of which has been declared a National Surfing Reserve, the first on Australia's Southern coastline). The Peninsula is also known for its prime fishing locations and produce, be it by beach, rock, boat or jetty. Down on the South coast you'll find more great fishing and camping spots including Hillocks Drive, a private property allowing access to 7km of coastline to explore. You could even spot a Southern Right Whale from June - October. Great views to Kangaroo Island can be seen from higher points on the South coast and inland. Scenery inland changes from gently, rolling farmland to mallee scrub and the unique Peesey Swamp, which cuts the 'foot' from the 'leg' of Yorke Peninsula. The Peesey is actually a rift valley with the presence of seashells evidence of the area once being under water. Ballara Art & Lifestyle Retreat is situated in Warooka, a small rural town accessed by car 250km (a 2 1/2 hour drive) from Adelaide. Please note there is no public transport system - Warooka is a part of a vast agricultural district comprising many small towns and secluded areas, and car travel is essential to exploring these surroundings.