Adelaide & South Australia - Australia 2004 - page 504

bursting with antiques and knickknacks. What the quaint, individually deco-
rated guest rooms lack in modern amenities—no phones or TVs—they make up
for in charm. The modern communal Jacuzzi is set in the old stables, with its
flagstone floors and old horse harnesses; there's also a flagstone-floored tennis
court. Even if you don't stay here, you can indulge in Devonshire tea on the ter-
race daily for A$5 (US$3.25) and can tour the property Monday through Fri-
day from 1 to 4:30pm and Saturday and Sunday from 11am to 4:30pm. The
tour costs A$4 (US$2.60) for adults and A$1.50 (US$1) for children. Sunday
brunch is also popular. Dinner by prior arrangement for guests costs A$95
(US$62) per person.
Eden Valley Rd., Angaston, SA 5353. & 08/8564 2061. Fax [phone]. www.collinggrovehomestead.
com.au. 6 units, 4 with bathroom. A$210 (US$136) luxury double; A$250 (US$162) deluxe double. Rates
include full breakfast. AE, DC, MC, V. Amenities: Restaurant; tennis court; Jacuzzi; in-room massage; baby-
sitting; nonsmoking rooms. In room:TV w/pay movies (room 5 only), minibar (room 5 only), hair dryer.
The Hermitage of Marananga This is far and away the best of the area's
motels. The rooms are awkwardly shaped but have been recently renovated.
Each has a small balcony. The main building is old-fashioned and bursting with
character. It's also cool in the heat of summer. Outside there are fantastic views
over the valley and to the ranges beyond. Good walks lead around the prop-
erty, and at dusk you'll see plenty of kangaroos in the surrounding fields. The
new apartment has a private balcony overlooking the vineyards, a separate bed-
room, and a double sleeper sofa in the living room.
Corner of Seppltsfield and Stonewell rds., Marananga, SA 5351. & 08/8562 2722. Fax [phone]. www.
hermitageofmarananga.com.au. 11 units, including 1 apt. A$230 (US$150) double; A$330 (US$214) Jacuzzi
room; $330 (US$214) apt. Rates include breakfast and cost A$100 (US$65) more on Sat. AE, DC, MC, V. Free
parking. Amenities: Restaurant; heated outdoor pool; tour desk; massage; dry cleaning. In room: A/C,
TV/DVD, minibar, coffeemaker, hair dryer, iron.
Marble Lodge Wake up and smell the roses—there are plenty in the beau-
tiful gardens surrounding this romantic historic property (as well as a tennis
court, and several deer and kangaroos). Away from the main house is a lodge
made of local marble that's divided into two suites. The larger suite has two
rooms and an open fireplace. The second is a large bed/sitting room, with an
open fireplace. Both have access to the shared Jacuzzi and are tastefully furnished
in antiques. There's always fresh fruit, homemade biscuits, and chocolates in the
room, and it's a 5-minute walk to three local restaurants. A double room, with
shared bathroom, is sometimes available in the homestead itself.
21 Dean St., Angaston, SA 5351. & 08/8564 2478. Fax [phone]. www.marblelodge.com.au. 2 units.
A$170 (US$111) double. Rate includes breakfast, bottle of champagne, and minibar drinks. MC, V. Amenities:
Tennis court; Jacuzzi; room service until 8pm; laundry/dry cleaning service available nearby; nonsmoking
rooms; e-mail and fax facilities. In room:A/C, TV w/pay movies, fax, minibar, fridge, coffeemaker, hair dryer, iron.
WHERE TO DINE
The Barossa prides itself on its cuisine as well as its wine, so you'll find plenty of
places of note to eat, many of them serving up traditional German foods in line
with the area's heritage. A hot spot, for lunch or dinner, is Vintner's Bar &
Grill, Nuriootpa Road, Angaston ( & 08/8564 2488 ); the wine list here is six
pages long! Try the bay leaf risotto with prawns or the roast veal rack with crisp
polenta. Main courses cost A$22 to A$27 (US$14-US$18). It's open for lunch
daily and closed on Sunday for dinner. Another choice is Salters, Satram Winery,
Nuriootpa Road, Angaston ( & 08/8564 3344 ); local produce is the specialty