A slice of history – where the river meets the sea

≈ The Cheese Factory ≈

A labour of love for many years, it took a refined creative vision to fuse the original features with contemporary highlights and modern luxuries.

This amazingly resurrected and restored country residence could be your ultimate lifestyle retreat, a place to call home or

something only you could imagine.

Situated on 14 acres of picturesque land, the gentle undulations with Coorong views, rustic olive groves and native rewilded areas proved an inspiring canvas for a wide range of activities and opportunities.

Industrial features, polished timber floors, exposed stone walls and whitewashed timber ceilings combine to make this

showstopper something that truly belongs on Grand Designs.

The spectacular split-level open kitchen / dine / family area with cathedral ceilings and the original cheese churner attached to

the wall is a striking feature and a tip of the hat to the Cheese Factory’s history.

Beautifully appointed kitchen suitably country style yet still very modern with stone and timber benches, dishwasher, Belling oven and gas cooktop, built-in buffet and the original sliding door another touch of history.

Downstairs offers 2 bedrooms (one with BIRobes, the other quite roomy and direct external access). The rear addition has also

been superbly finished, providing a delightful entrance where you can sit, relax and enjoy the countryside vista. A stunning

modern bathroom and separate laundry are also incorporated into this area.

Upstairs enter the spacious master suite, a private haven to relax and refresh. It includes a beautiful ensuite bathroom

and WIRobe.

The rear vast stone terrace provides the perfect place to entertain and enjoy long lazy lunches with the lawns and old gum

trees as your backdrop.

With nature as your muse, express your creativity in the dedicated studio with decking.

Large double garage with auto roller door, off-street guest parking, and a 4-bay garage for storage hidden from the residence.

Rainwater and mains power services the property while an indirect mains water meter is also connected, providing slow-releasemains water to 2 tanks if required. A river water licence will also transfer with the property; however, this has not been used for many years.

Located just over 7kms from Hindmarsh Island Bridge, an easy drive into Goolwa’s township and all the amenities. 1.5kms

from the river to the North and just 6kms to Murray Mouth, where you can launch your boat and enjoy everything the stunning

Coorong National Park has to offer.

≈ The restoration - 1987 to Present ≈

Sharon and Graham had a clear vision for the Cheese Factory and worked with the local architect Chris Crabtree to draw up the

original plans. In the early days, Sharon and Graham and the boys did much of the work with help from benevolent family and

friends. Graham had an obsession with detail but a nonchalance for circumstance or time. This caused the odd embroilment, but at the end of each day, the barbecue sizzled, the wine flowed, and all was merry.

The major structural works were managed by Des Edwards, a local master-builder, in 2001. With a strict deadline looming, the

wedding of eldest son Matthew, the dream was completed in October 2002. Well almost. Since 2002 the building and 14 acres of land have constantly evolved with every master-stroke made by the Pankhursts. The gardens have flourished, and the influences of their many passions and European travels are agreeable. Though most notably, the special touches of the talented artists are inescapable.

≈ The History ≈

1900 - Percival Thomas (Percy) Heggaton established a cheese and butter factory on Hindmarsh Island. He was an Australian politician who represented the South Australian House of Assembly multi-member seat of Alexandra from 1906 to 1915.

1987 - The Cheese Factory was purchased in July 1987 by Sharon and Graham Pankhurst. Their decision to risk $45,000 on an uninhabitable building located on14 acres of fruitless land was questioned by many at the time.