Reviews

What Our Guests Say

Every stay at Merilli1885 tells its own story. Some come to slow down, others to reconnect, celebrate, or simply breathe in the stillness. What they share in common is the way this place makes them feel, calm, rested, and a little more connected to what matters most.

We’re deeply grateful for the kind words and thoughtful reviews from our guests. Their reflections remind us why we love what we do and why this quiet corner of the Fleurieu continues to leave a lasting impression.

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Perfect for a couple or 2 wanting a few nights of luxury
Beautiful house and serene location. No expense spared on fit out and appointments. Perfect for a couple or 2 wanting a few nights of luxury Rooms: 5/5Service: 5/5Location: 5/5 Rooms Bedrooms are large and luxurious Food and drinks Local produce supplied by the host was fresh & delicious Hotel highlights Luxury, Romantic, Quiet
Justin, via Google Reviews
Beautiful attention to detail and personal touches.
Merilli1885 is the perfect place to disconnect from life and immerse yourself luxurious accommodation surrounded by nature. Beautiful attention to detail and personal touches. Rooms: 5/5 Service: 5/5 Location: 5/5 Hotel highlights Luxury, Great view, Romantic, Quiet
Heather, via Google Reviews
Merilli is one of the best, if not the best property we’ve ever stayed at in SA.
Merilli is one of the best, if not the best property we’ve ever stayed at in SA. The location is tranquil and serene (only the occasional sound of mooing cows). Everything needed for a relaxing weekend has been considered by the owners and provided (BYO food and drink). The original cottage has been immaculately restored and a new, stylish extension added. Highly recommended. Rooms: 5/5 Service: 5/5 Location: 5/5
Chris , via Google Reviews
What a beautiful place to spend a weekend on The Fleurieu!
At a time we needed an escape and unwind… we visited Merilli 1885. What a beautiful place to spend a weekend on The Fleurieu! So many lovely local places to explore… but it’s very hard to leave the open fire and farm serenity! Sophie this place is so perfectly appointed… cosy but sophisticated… hard to leave! Thank you for your beautiful hospitality Andrew and Di Rooms: 5/5 Service: 5/5 Location: 5/5
Andrew and Di, via Google Reviews
I stayed here for a girls weekend away and WOW…it did not disappoint.
I stayed here for a girls weekend away and WOW…it did not disappoint. The cottage has a perfect mix of old charm with new luxury and you really feel like you’re away from the hustle and bustle with the views from every window. Nothing has been spared here, from the gorgeous kitchen and appliances, the cosy lounge and fireplace to the massive beds and comfy linen. The products provided for baths and showers made us smell and feel like we’d been to a day spa. We then literally spent all our time in the bath robes by the fireplace drinking wine, watching the rain fall over the hills and eating cheese. For a Mum of 3, this was exactly the getaway I needed. Thanks Sophie! Rooms: 5/5 Service: 5/5 Location: 5/5
Ann, via Google Reviews
The cottage was high-level luxury, with all the creature comforts of home.
What a magnificent girl friend getaway! The cottage was high-level luxury, with all the creature comforts of home. Spending quality time with friends, dressed in robes, drinking wine, eating antipasto platters in front of a roaring fireplace, with the wild weather all around us…. Heaven! They have literally thought of everything including South Australian goodies in the fridge and pantry. We felt so nurtured and spoiled staying in this home away from home. It was the perfect place to rest and rejuvenate. Highly recommend for people wanting to stay somewhere special. Rooms: 5/5Service: 5/5Location: 5/5 Rooms Clean and opulent. Nearby activities Lots to do in nearby Goolwa, Port Elliot and Middleton. Safety 100% safe and secure. Walkability Lots of paths and things to explore. Food and drinks South Australian goodies in the pantry and fridge were a treat! Hotel highlights Luxury, Great view, Quiet, Great value
Ann-Marie, via Google Reviews
You will want for nothing and you will not want to leave!
Absolutely stunning place to stay! You will want for nothing and you will not want to leave! We had a truly relaxing and wonderful weekend. Thank you! Rooms: 5/5 Service: 5/5 Location: 5/5
Family Fry , via Google Reviews
We choose here everytime we need a break from the rush of life
Absolutely amazing experience staying at Merilli 1885! Sophie is the perfect host. The home and surroundings are the perfect place to unwind or spend a weekend with a few loved ones. It takes you away to a place where you can sit around the beautiful french fire or go wander along the creek with the horses who love a scratch and some fresh grass. We choose here everytime we need a break from the rush of life, do yourself a favour and book your next stay here. Rooms: 5/5 Service: 5/5 Location: 5/5
Rachel, via Google Reviews
Couldn’t recommend this lovely spot enough.
We stayed at the beautiful Merilli 1885 for 2 night’s. Safe to say this was the nicest Airbnb my partner and I have stayed in by far. The cottage is stunning inside and out. Pantry and fridge stocked with heaps of goodies all included. Perfect place to get away to if you’re looking to relax and enjoy the peacefulness the countryside has to offer. We even ended up grabbing ourselves a cheeky Merilli 1885 candle to take home. Sophie was extremely hospitable and attentive. Couldn’t recommend this lovely spot enough. Rooms: 5/5 Service: 5/5 Location: 5/5 Hotel highlights Luxury
Milly, via Google Reviews
From the moment you arrive, Merilli1885 feels like a warm hug.
When I say you’ll want for nothing at Merilli1885, I mean nothing! Sometimes life gets a little too loud (hello, children yelling ‘MUM!’ 67 times before breakfast), and all you need is a weekend away with your girls. A weekend where your only responsibilities are keeping the tea hot, the wine flowing and the cheese platters on high rotation. Sound good? Enter: Merilli1885 in Currency Creek. A labour of love Recently, my sister, my bestie and I escaped to this stunning country sanctuary for the ultimate ‘mum-cation.’ And honestly, we’re still emotionally recovering from our return to reality! From the moment you arrive, Merilli1885 feels like a warm hug. This lovingly restored 1800s stone cottage is the handiwork of Sophie and Richard Mintz, who’ve poured their hearts into every square inch of the place. It was instantly clear that this wasn’t your average renovation — it was a passion project. A true labour of love. The cottage’s historic charm has not only been retained, but honoured and enhanced. When you combine this with every modern luxury you could dream of, the result will have you swooning at every turn… and never (ever) wanting to leave! The simple pleasures Let’s be real, us mums take our kid-free time verrrry seriously. The girls and I were so excited to catch up (without the mental load tapping us on our shoulders), that we literally wrote an agenda on the drive up of ‘things to discuss.’ Because, what a luxury to actually finish a whole conversation without being asked for a snack or refereeing a sibling brawl! After a lot of excited ‘ohhhh-ing’ and ‘ahhhh-ing’, we got straight to business: bras off, robes on, fireplace lit, tea and chocolate in hand. Seriously, name a better scenario! Just when we thought things couldn’t get any more perfect… we fluked our stay to coincide with the wettest three days in July since 1865. Rain fell steadily the entire weekend — from a gentle drizzle to full-blown downpours. And honestly, there’s nothing quite like hearing rain on a tin roof while you’re snuggled up in PJs by the fire. Watching the mist roll across the valley through the floor-to-ceiling windows was what winter weekend dreams are made of. Seeing the dam (which had recently been dry) fill up with water was the cherry on top. Interior goals Inside, Merilli1885 is next-level. Think original stone walls, exposed timber rafters, Persian rugs and luxurious throws and cushions, all wrapped around a breathtaking stone fireplace that ties everything together. It’s like stepping into the pages of a dreamy interiors magazine. But it’s not just beautiful — it’s thoughtful. Sophie and Richard have considered every detail. It’s incredibly luxe, yet so very homely. The result: instant relaxation! The kind of kitchen you WANT to cook in Now, let’s talk about that kitchen. Spotlessly clean, fully stocked with local South Aussie goodies (supplies for a cooked breakfast, granola, yogurt, milk — the works), and a pantry full of essentials and indulgences… (like a Donna Hay brownie mix just begging to be baked). And when you see that oven, you’ll understand the urge to use it! There’s also a barbeque on the deck outside if you feel like cooking with a view. Bubble baths and slow mornings Each of the two suites at Merilli1885 has its own bathroom… and the bathtub deserves an honourable mention of its own. Positioned next to a window which overlooks the rolling green hills, and complete with the most divine lavender-infused bath salts, you’ll want to settle in for a nice long soak. Afterwards, slather yourself in the luxe body lotion, flop into a bed of luxury linen and enjoy the kind of deep, uninterrupted sleep that feels like a spa treatment in itself. Hot tip: in the morning, open the curtains, make yourself a coffee, take it back to bed and sip while enjoying the view. Repeat (because you can)! Stay in or explore While there’s plenty to explore nearby (Middleton Beach is under 10 minutes away and Goolwa’s just 15), you might not actually want to leave the Merilli bubble! We only ventured out once for a grocery run — because, as mentioned, we actually WANTED to cook in that kitchen. Picture this: fire crackling, jazz playing, red wine flowing and your besties whipping up dinner together. Also, not a chicken nugget in sight! If a complete break from cooking was on your bingo card, there are loads of great eating out options nearby. Port Elliot Pub is perfect for a casual meal and we’ve also heard amazing things about Crisp in Port Elliot and Hay Street in Goolwa if you’re after something a little more fancy. Also, Sophie is the ‘hostess with the mostess’ and is always very happy to help with local tips and tricks. Unexpected highlight One of our absolute favourite extras at Merilli1885 was the horses! The Mintz family’s beautiful horses roam the paddocks beside the property and if you promise to keep all the gates closed, you’re welcome to say hello. We befriended a particularly affectionate chestnut called Whiskey, who smothered us with hugs and kisses. It turns out equine therapy is a thing — our hearts were officially stolen and our souls revived! If you’re looking for a truly magical place for a girls’ getaway, a romantic weekend or just a much-needed break from reality, look no further than Merilli1885. But don’t snooze on it — this once-hidden gem won’t stay hidden for long!
Carrie, Adelady