Ah, castles. There’s something about these medieval marvels that whisks your mind off to a fantasy land of royalty, renaissance, and romance. Stone forts may have been originally built with the intention of keeping attackers at bay, but the beauty and charm that came along with them are undeniable.
Holidaygoers continue to seek the exclusivity of staying in castles and heritage buildings today, soaking up as much history and old-school style as they can. Luckily, these historic and unique Adelaide accommodation options are just the ticket to fulfill those desires.
Location: Adelaide | South Australia | Australia
Type of Accommodation: Heritage
1. Thorngrove Manor Hotel
Best for: 5 Star Luxury Hotel, Castle with Turrets, Organic Food, Historic Touches, Adelaide Hills
This architectural wonder is a proud member of the grandiose club of Small Luxury Hotels of the World. Thorngrove Manor Hotel has won a swathe of awards for its exquisite 5-star re-creation of middle-age-themed opulence.
The owners claim to have wanted to build something that was beyond just housing pieces of art – they wanted the walls themselves to be their own works of art.
Guest Review
Wonderful hosts, food and accommodation. A truly magnificent experience
Live like a King or Queen
This unique Adelaide accommodation takes great pride in offering visitors super exclusive, private stays – they claim you will never even see another guest!
Each suite has its own individual character, lovingly designed and created to feel like you’re living in a prosperous fairy tale.
They have their own themed names: King’s Chambers, Queen’s Chambers, Castle Chambers, Tower Room, and Observatory – how are you supposed to choose?
Good to Know at this Unique Adelaide Castle
- Rooms are soundproof and have blackout curtains
- Adults only accommodation
- Private dining – no common guest areas
- Private entries for each suite
- Located in the scenic Adelaide Hills
- See more at Stayz
2. Castle Keep Romantic Escape
Best for: Exclusive B&B, Antiques, Spiral Staircase, Tapestries, Beautiful Gardens, Adelaide Hills
Part of the Thorngrove Manor estate but available as its own accommodation option is Castle Keep. Stone spiral staircases lead up to an adorable arched balcony in this multi-storied retreat, providing a perfect place to recite poetry to your beloved down below, Romeo and Juliet style.
Boasting a spacious corner spa bath and open log fire, this place has romance written all over it, from the French tasseled tapestries to the carved oak king bed.
Like the rest of the Thorngrove Estate, this unique Adelaide accommodation is nestled amongst beautifully maintained gardens, with apples to pick and thoughtfully placed hedges grown to maintain privacy. If you can bear to leave the finery of your room for long enough, you can even find life-size animal topiaries throughout the gardens.
Good to Know
- The kitchenette includes a Nespresso maker
- Continental breakfast provided, including locally baked sourdough
- Optional “Will you marry me?” packages available that include flowers and locally made chocolates
- Deluxe L’Occitane bath and body products provided
- See more at Stayz
3. Heritage Listed 1850 Coach House
Best for: Comfortable Holiday Home, Beautifully Restored, Central Location
This little gem of an Adelaide holiday house used to hold carriages, back when horse-and-carts were all the rage. It’s now been tastefully transformed into a modern, spacious cottage for visitors to enjoy while staying in the leafy foothills of Adelaide.
Next door is the original residence of the coach house, Beaumont House – now the State Office of the National Trust of South Australia. Beaumont House hosts events and open days for the public to revel in the beautiful original home of the first Anglican Bishop of Adelaide.
Good to Know
- One Bedroom sleeps two
- Full kitchen
- Quality linen and towels
- Washer and dryer inside
- Air-conditioning
- Parking
- Allows longer-term accommodation
- See more at Stayz
4. Adelaide Church Retreat – Charming and Peaceful
Best for: Holiday Home, Breakfast, Attention to Detail, Gorgeous Renovation
Another lovely historical transformation, this 1902 sandstone Anglican church retains many of its original features. At Adelaide, Church Retreat stained glass windows and baltic floors blend with modern comforts such as a renovated kitchen and high-speed WIFI.
Being fully self-contained and private with a cute secluded garden, this unique Adelaide accommodation is a quirky and relaxing experience all of its own.
Good to Know
- The church has air-conditioning
- Free continental breakfast is included
- Fully-equipped kitchen
- 5 minutes from the city centre
- See more at VRBO Australia
5. Morialta Barns – The Well Room
Best for: Romantic Getaway, Stylish Interiors, Koalas and Kangaroos on the Heysen Trail
Built in 1847, these barns were part of an eight-acre estate built by the second premier of South Australia, John Baker. Mr Baker sure picked a choice spot – the picturesque valley is right by some of Adelaide’s prettiest waterfalls in Morialta Conservation Park.
The Well Room is a quaint little Adelaide holiday house of its own, flanked by a pretty courtyard and bursting with character. A cosy wood heater keeps you warm while you sip on a comforting red wine from one of the nearby vineyards.
Good to Know
- One-bedroom cottage sleeps two
- Free continental breakfast
- Free bottle of local wine if you stay for two or more nights
- The Heysen and Yurrebilla walking trails pass through the property
- See more at Booking.com
6. Mayfair Hotel
Impressive gargoyles, lions and vultures stare out at the street from this neo-Romanesque architectural wonder. Built in 1934, this heritage-listed building in the heart of Adelaide is beautifully restored into a luxurious and stylish hotel. Don’t miss a cocktail or two at the gorgeous roof-top Hennessy Bar.
Step into the lap of luxury at the Mayfair Hotel where timeless elegance meets modern decadence. Pop your dates in to see the best prices from comparisons across the internet…
Things to Do
All of these unique Adelaide accommodation options are on the doorstep of world-class wine regions, such as the Adelaide Hills, Barossa Valley, and McLaren Vale.
Sandy Beaches are only 20 minutes west of the city centre, with seaside suburbs hosting an array of fun tourist activities.
- Glenelg Beach.
- Semaphore Beach
- Brighton Beach
- Maslin Beach
- Largs Bay
- Aldinga Beach
- Henley Beach
- Moana Beach
Hiking enthusiasts will love Mount Lofty and Morialta Conservation Park, animal lovers can pat friendly native critters at Cleland Wildlife Park, and fruit fans can enjoy picking fresh cherries in the summer. There’s plenty to do nearby if you can bear to tear yourself away from these stunning castle and heritage holiday homes!
