The Garden Cottage at The Olives is a new three-room bungalow set in the spectacular gardens of The Olives, a heritage-listed home built in the 1850s by one of South Australia's early settlers. Lovingly restored amid old English-style gardens, The Olives provides a peaceful environment for relaxation or as a base for exploring the exciting and historic attractions of SA's famed Fleurieu Peninsula, voted by Lonely Planet as the fifth best destination in the world. The Garden Cottage, designed to echo the appearance of an old barn, is lavishly furnished, air conditioned, with plantation shutters in the bed rooms so you can turn days into nights of total indulgence if that is your wish. The Garden Cottage has three rooms - a bedroom with a King-sized double bed; a second bedroom with two King-single beds and a central lounge which has a sofa bed if you need six people to stay. There is a fully equipped kitchen area with coffee maker, jug, toaster, microwave and fridge and if you choose to stay in all supplies are available at the Yankalilla or Normanville supermarkets. Whatever you choose, we wish you a pleasant stay at The Olives and hope you enjoy our garden.

The owners of The Olives are not always in residence. The Garden Cottage is managed by Kenton, who lives on site. He is your contact for cleaning and any issues that may arise. He will help with your arrival, parking (not in front of the cottage, please) and special arrangements, such as setting up the gas-fired barbecue if you wish. Or, if you are an iceberg and enjoy swimming in the winter, he will arrange for the covers to be removed and the pool prepared. Kenton can give you up-to-date information about district activities, restaurants, cafes and other attractions. You will find a guide to the Fleurieu in the Cottage.

The Fleurieu brings a touch of Tuscany or a piece of Provence to South Australia. This is where Hans Heysen painted his famous pictures of gum trees and contented cows. It is one of the best paddock-to-plate destinations in Australia with the McLaren Vale wine district and its myriad restaurants just 25 minutes away. The ferry to Kangaroo Island is nearby, together with the resort towns of Victor Harbor, Port Elliot and Goolwa at the mouth of the mighty Murray River. You'll find antiques at Strathalbyn, craft beers at Myponga, white sandy beaches at Normanville and, best of all if you're a golfer, the acclaimed Links at Lady Bay golf course just minutes away. Don't miss Rick's Peninsula Restaurant at The Links.