Anacotilla Springs is an ecological and farming rejuvenation project on the western Fleurieu Peninsula (Patpangga, Kaurna-Meeyurna name) and from March 2021 it is also our home.
We (Rob and Pamela) bought the property in June 2012 and have been working to create an environmental infrastructure more reflective of the time of European settlement, that is, of majestic river trees and understory with surrounding grasslands and scattered trees. As part of this we also run around 25 Murray Grey cattle for grazing and maintaining the current pasture areas.
The land is 52-hectares situated 80km south of Adelaide on Main South Road near Second Valley. Straddling the Anacotilla River, the property is dominated by the steep river gorge and rolling hills.
Formerly part of an extensive grazing property, Anacotilla Station, we have excluded livestock from the water courses for the first time in over 120 years, enabling natural regeneration from the ancient river red gums. As a result, to provide water access for the cattle and to enable rotational grazing, we have established an infrastructure of fences, pumps, pipes, tanks and troughs. Using other environmental strategies including planting understory species, we believe we are assisting the land to restore, recover and rejuvenate.
A large stone weir on the Anacotilla River, built in 1907 by Garnet Kelly whose family established Anacotilla Station, is a striking feature. The weir stimulated our interest in the local history, which led us to coordinate an event to honour him in the 2018 Heritage Fleurieu Festival and other historical and community activities.
Having now owned the property for over nine years and transitioning away from traditional paid work, we have sold our home in Adelaide and moved full time to Anacotilla Springs to enjoy living within the local community and the natural environment of the Fleurieu Peninsula.
During 2021 (Jan – Sep) we have built and moved into our house which is designed with liveability and energy efficiency principles in mind creating a comfortable living area for all people and conditions. With our future possible downsizing needs in mind, a part of the house, which we currently call ‘The Annexe’, is a fully self-contained 2 bedroom living space. ‘The Annexe’ provides options for our future ageing in place and in the meantime will enable family and friends to have a separate but adjoining area. It will also be available to visitors for holiday accommodation.
We hope you enjoy browsing our website and to get an update of what we have been up to recently have a look at our snippets page.
Website updated 27 Mar 2023