Our Story
Set along a quiet country road in Currency Creek on South Australia’s Fleurieu Peninsula, Merilli is a 90-acre working farm where heritage, landscape, and family life are deeply intertwined. Surrounded by rolling paddocks, ancient gums, and the gentle rhythm of farm life, it is a place that carries more than a century of rural history.
The story of Merilli began with early settlers who built a simple stone hut by hand from rock gathered along the creek bed below. In time, this was followed by the 1885 cottage, a testament to craftsmanship and endurance, and later the 1905 stone homestead, which became the heart of the property.
In 2002, our family became only the second custodians of Merilli. We undertook a careful restoration of the 1905 homestead, preserving its heritage and character while creating a warm and welcoming home. At the same time, the original 1885 cottage was preserved for safekeeping, carefully maintained in its original form until the time came to breathe new life into it. Today, Merilli remains a place of quiet beauty where cattle graze, horses roam, and the spirit of the land continues to guide its story.
The Story of Merilli1885
Nestled within the property, the 1885 stone cottage has long been part of Merilli’s soul. After being lovingly preserved in 2002, it waited patiently for its next chapter. In 2024–2025, that moment arrived when we completed a sensitive redevelopment, transforming the cottage into Merilli1885, a luxury farmstay that celebrates both its heritage and the quiet sophistication of modern country living.
The new extension was designed to complement the original stonework, blending seamlessly with the surrounding landscape. Inside, the restoration honours the craftsmanship of the past while offering the comfort and warmth expected of contemporary accommodation. Every detail, from the hand-built stone chimney to the curated furnishings, reflects care, authenticity, and respect for the property’s history.
Merilli1885 invites guests to experience the essence of the Fleurieu Peninsula — stillness, connection, and the simple beauty of life lived close to the land. For our family, sharing this place is a privilege. To see others experience the calm, the history, and the unhurried pace of Merilli is to see its story continue.
