Set in the heart of the Fleurieu Peninsula with impressive ocean views, Anacotilla Sanctuary offers over 120 acres of heritage-protected ancient Australian bushland. It's just a 90-minute drive from Adelaide, but a world away from everywhere.
There are so many ways to enjoy this magnificent land! Run a bed & breakfast, a health retreat, a full nature immersion experience or, like the current owners, keep it for friends and family to enjoy. Either way, Anacotilla Sanctuary provides a wonderful opportunity to acquire one of the few privately-held heritage woodland forests in South Australia, with the ability to build a once in a lifetime home, lifestyle or investment opportunity (STCC) immersed in some of the most beautiful and ancient bushland that South Australia has to offer.
Don't just take our word for it - the South Australian government agrees that the property is a national treasure and has declared that it should be protected. The heritage agreement extends over all but two sites in prime locations of 2600m2 and 3000m2 each; plenty of room to enjoy your dream home in complete seclusion in this special sanctuary.
The experience of Anacotilla Sanctuary defies description, but we will do our best to walk you through it with words!
Some four kilometers off Range Road, sitting atop the southern end of the Mount Lofty Ranges and surrounded by rolling hills, open cattle grazing country and the occasional pine forest, you will find this rare patch of beautiful Australian native bush. The high altitude makes for some of the highest rainfall in the state, and the result is a forest of stringy barks, blue gums and a plethora of flora and fauna.
As you approach Anacotilla Sanctuary, the views across the green paddocks and the deep blue of the Gulf of St Vincent give way to a wall of bushland. Arriving at the gate and looking down the sun-dappled, tree-lined track will excite! You could be stepping back a millennium in time here.
The first thing you notice is the tall forest, with its thick canopy allowing an abundance of light to stream in. The ancient Yakkas glisten in the sunshine, beckoning you to follow. Winding down the track, you will come across some of yesteryear's farming equipment and a classic Humber sitting among the regrowth and genially rusting back into nature.
As the track turns left, you find yourself enveloped by beautiful Australian bushland; verdant and lush. A few moments later you arrive at the first of two sites set aside for building, currently hosting "The Shack" and a small tractor shed nestled amongst the yakkas.
The Shack offers plenty of character, and some amenities too. The wood fire creates a cosy nook to relax after a day well spent in the wilderness, and the 100-year old wood stove is handy to boil a billy, slow-cook a roast or bake a crumble. The dining space faces the morning sun, providing a real treat as you sip your cuppa and watch the rising sun peek through the eucalypts.
Walk down the hill to the other side of the property, where you can hear the creek that births the Anacotilla River, and you will find the second area for building. The foundations of a dwelling are here, mounted to capture the view down the valley and out to the bright blue of St Vincent's Gulf and some sensational sunsets. Then walk to the waterfall, spread out a picnic rug and enjoy lunch surrounded by maidenhair fern and all manner of birdlife.
Amble back to the shack through the golden light of dusk and read on the hammock as the food sizzles on the outdoor fire and the wine breathes in preparation for your evening feast. As the birds sing their good night, the stars pop out; brighter than you ever thought possible. You are surrounded by nature, and the result is a release of all stress and a sinking into all-pervading peace.
Some more detail on the heritage agreement
Most of the 122.5 acres are protected by a heritage agreement. Heritage agreements are established in perpetuity to protect and enhance the natural character of the flora and fauna. In this case, many native species of flora and fauna have been identified, and some categorised as endangered or threatened. Two areas within this title are not subject to the heritage agreement and may be allowed to be developed to the new owner's desire (subject to usual approvals and consents).
The heritage agreement includes a special dispensation in regard to the Council rates and taxes on the land, as well as access to several grant programs for fencing, weeding and landscape restoration. More information can be found here: https://www.environment.sa.gov.au/topics/native-vegetation/protecting-enhancing/heritage-agreements
In summary
On offer is this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to secure 122.5 acres of pristine iconic Australian bush! It is a place for you to experience the joy of silence and solitude; where you can leave the conflicts of the world behind and become simply and naturally yourself as you abide close to nature. Could you live among the kangaroos, echidnas, koalas, kookaburras, blue wrens and scarlet robins? Would you appreciate a garden that's been growing in this spot for thousands of years? Are you intrigued by the rare native orchids or hundreds of other unique species, some of which are only found around here?
Why we love Anacotilla Sanctuary:
- Incredible views over St Vincent's Gulf
- Two building areas (3000m2 and 2600m2), ideally located and available for residential development (STCC)
- 120 acres of protected heritage woodland forest
- An abundance of native flora and fauna
Disclaimer: We have in preparing this information used our best endeavours to ensure that the information contained herein is true and accurate, but accept no responsibility and disclaim all liability in respect of any errors omissions, inaccuracies or misstatements that may occur. Prosspective purchasers should make their own enquiries to verify the information contained herein. RLA 62833
