160-year-old tailor shop turned art gallery for sale in SA
A butcher, a tailor, an art gallery owner?
In the South Australian town of Willunga, a multi-use space that could double as the start of a nursery rhyme is ripe for exploration.
One of the many historic buildings dotting Willunga’s High Street, Willunga Gallery is brimming with heritage charm. The 1860s cottage was originally home to a tailor’s shopfront and residence, but in the 160 years since, it has served as a butcher, newsagent, and, most recently, an art gallery, gift shop, and event venue.
Having been expanded and extended by its current owners, 29 High Street is now being offered by Century 21 as a “business venture, event space, artist’s retreat or cherished private residence”.
The 1416 square metre property starts with the street-front shop containing two commercial spaces, one of which is currently tenanted by an art gallery. Polished timber and flagstone slate floors run throughout, harking back to Willunga’s slate industry, with original fireplaces and functional kitchenettes in each.
Underneath the building are the “hidden” cellar spaces, previously operated as a licensed venue, from which you step out into the property’s expansive gardens. A newly built amenities block means the outdoor space is now perfectly set-up for weddings and intimate events.
Also found in the grounds of 29 High Street are a separate workshop and shed and two eco-friendly, hand-built guest lodgings known as the Willunga Gallery Cabins. Although only operating for the past 18 months, the cabins are accruing plenty of satisfied reviews and have a 50 per cent occupancy rate.
It’s a testament to the work the current owners have done to maintain the history and authenticity of the original space, says listing agent Deidre Mastroyannis.
“More than anything, it’s that unique property … in the heart of Willunga – the history of what it was used for originally and particularly how it has been enhanced by the current owners,” she adds. “They’ve done a wonderful job adding in the cabins, they’ve just put in a laundry and another toilet facility, and even with that build they sourced materials from Melbourne, from an old school house.
“All the products [used], right from the bamboo sheeting … to the lotions. It’s all local.”
One of South Australia’s earliest towns, Willunga is within the McLaren Vale growing region, 50 minutes south of Adelaide and 12 kilometres from the coast at Aldinga Bay.
The area itself is popular with day-trippers and locals alike. The Willunga Basin Trail, a 130-kilometre walking route, passes through the town, which also hosts a stage of the Tour Down Under cycle every year as well as the Almond Blossom Festival each July and the Fleurieu Folk Festival each October.
