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Located on South Australia’s Fleurieu Peninsula, the Middleton Flour Mill is a circa 1850s heritage-protected property once only accessible to its current owners, artist Sam Harrison, winemaker Rose Kentish, and their children.
Inspired by a previous stint living in the south of France, Sam and Rose saw potential to create boutique accommodation on the Middleton property (about 70 minutes from Adelaide) with the romantic and secluded feel of a European villa.
The result is Pago (pronounced ‘pargo’) — a collection of four rooms independent from the main house, set in their own private garden.
The accommodation was designed by interior design practice Fabrikate with a vision to create a space that was ‘deeply restorative and authentic.’
Fabrikate owner Kate Harry adds, ‘The Mill as a property exudes history and ambience and this project demanded we honour what already was.’
The existing stable buildings were in a poor condition with some roofs and walls beyond repair.
‘We were introduced to a dilapidated dark building with not much else to see but a tin roof and an honest dirt floor,’ says Kate. ‘That said, the original stone walls were a standout and informed the materials to be used internally.’
Sam assumed the role of owner-builder and worked alongside Kate to meticulously restore the stonemasonry alongside new materials sympathetic to the original 1850s buildings.
Timber cladding and individually laid handmade Moroccan tiles add to the subtle texture of the painted stone walls, large handcrafted steel frame doors offer tacitly, and organic brass tapware instils an authentic feel.
Together, these elements reflect their unique South Australian location, with nods to laid back Californian ranches and classic French farmhouses.
Each of the king sized rooms has an en suite plus access to the large magnesium pool, spa and sauna.
In the words of owner Rose Kentish, the restoration of the outbuildings and the popularity of Pago has ‘given reason’ to the property.
‘It has demanded its own purpose, and a sustainable business for the Kentish Harrison family, to allow guests the privacy and enjoyment of staying a while in the gardens.’
