A charming and original 1920’s, three bedroom house built from local limestone, set in lovely gardens in serene and peaceful country surrounds. The prior owner spent 30 years creating delightful gardens and a wonderful property that is the perfect place to relax and unwind, away from the noise and stress of modern-day life, something we could all do with. The road to the house branches off the main road giving a sense of seclusion and escape as it runs behind a natural reserve, which hosts kookaburras and yellow-tailed cockatoos amongst the towering cypress and gum trees. It is an almost a private drive, as Bella Mia is the only property along the road. Cool, quiet pine forests are the backdrop around the property, completing the scene. The lounge has a wonderfully comfortable sofas, perfect for sinking into in front of the wood-fired burner with a good book and glass of wine, or to just watch a bit of TV. The high ceilings of the house are from a bygone era, and features such as old-fashioned brass light fittings, the stained-glass feature around the front door and original pine floors, really take you back to a more peaceful place and time. The farm style kitchen, lovingly hand built by the father of the man who built this oasis, might not be the most modern, but carries echos from the past, and has what you need to prepare and enjoy family meals around the farmhouse dining table Kath has put thoughtful touches around the home, giving it its own special ambience and making it feel like a home away from home. Two bedrooms are carpeted with queen double beds and the third bedroom has an original sealed pine floor and two single beds. This wonderful property mightn’t have the most modern lines or most up to date appliances, but it is full of character, is kept painstakingly clean by Kath, is nice and comfortable and its traditional elements transport you to another time and place that allows you to escape your worries and stress for a while.

Nick, the current owner, bought the house from the prior owner as a place for his mother to enjoy her golden years, captivated by the beauty and peacefulness of the property. Nick’s mother is no longer with us, but her love for the property is carried forward by Nick, and the property manager Kath. Following the pandemic, Nick lost his job flying as a commercial pilot, and is just now beginning to fly again, so is working hard to rebuild a shattered career. At the same time, from his current home in Europe, he is working with Kath to try to make Bella Mia as special a place as possible. Kath has vast experience in hospitality, being a sought after and highly professional locum manager, who has travelled all around the country to manage hotels wherever needed. Kath has also owned and managed premium airBNB properties in the region, so knows guest needs and how to deliver them like the back of her hand. After having seen Bella Mia, Kath fell in love with the place, as so many of us do, then got in touch with Nick to see about working together. Since then Kath has absolutely put her heart and soul into the property, and the difference that she has made has been fantastic. Kath’s professionalism and high standards are always focussed on providing guests with the best possible experience and most rewarding stay, her communication and interaction with the guests is not only rewarding, but is also very much appreciated by all.

The beautiful Limestone Coast offers so much to see and do, 6 minutes away is Tantanoola Cave, described as picturesque & stunning. The staff do a really good & informative tour. Umpherston Sinkhole, just a 25 minute drive away, is a wonderful sight, but also shares an interesting history with the town & some of its inhabitants. Read about how the family that owned it developed and used it, a fascinating story. The striking Blue Lake, 7 minutes away from the Sinkhole, is mesmerising, the colour of the water & the surroundings are remarkable. From the Blue Lake, 20 minutes south, is Port Macdonnell, the southern most point of South Australia & claims to be “Australia’s Southern Rock Lobster Capital.” 3 hours east are the iconic Twelve Apostles, a convenient stop-off if coming from Melbourne/Victoria, & a sight that people from around the world flock to see, truly impressive. An hour west is Beachport, beautiful white beaches fringed by evergreen Norfolk pine trees & crystal clear water. It is known for having the second longest jetty in South Australia & is an area that offers fishing & other attractions like the Scenic Drive. Visit the Pool of Siloam, claimed to be both 7 times as salty as the sea as well as offering healing properties along the lines of the pool in Jerusalem. Explore the Beachport Conservation Park, as well as other lakes including Lake George, the Salt Lake & lake Hawdon to take in the scenery and bird life. Bella Mia is surrounded by nearby sinkholes & caves, which draw qualified & experienced cave divers from all over that come to see the spectacular underground world created by the many limestones caves and caverns. 1 hour north is the famed Coonawarra Wine Region, with beautiful wineries & vineyards. Take wine-tasting tours at well known wine producers, a relaxing, tasty way to spend a day, & one sure to create lasting & happy memories. So, do as much as you like, or you can just chill and relax in a hammock back home at Bella Mia.