About Ethel’s Cottage
Discover Ethel’s Cottage: Your Tranquil Retreat in Clare Valley
Ethel’s Cottage in Clare Valley
About Ethel’s Cottage
Ethel’s Cottage is a large 1860s beautifully restored stone cottage set on two picturesque acres, complete with a cottage garden and expansive lawns ideal for relaxation. Nestled in the stunning Clare Valley, Ethel’s Cottage places you just moments away from popular wineries and the renowned Riesling Trail.
The Cottage is located in Leasingham in the heart of the Clare Valley, only about a ninety minutes’ drive from Adelaide and twelve minutes from Clare.
The story of Ethel Green
The Cottage commemorates Ethel Green, who died in 1913 trying to rescue her younger sister Hope from a fire; Ethel believed she had saved Hope, who had already passed away. Each bedroom is named after former residents, reflecting the building’s history as part of the Leasingham hotel and offering guests a unique way to connect with the past.
A memorial stone nearby pays tribute to the hotel’s legacy, enriching your stay with a taste of the past.
The Cottage today
The Cottage features three beautifully decorated queen-sized bedrooms, a separate lounge and dining room, and a full kitchen for self-catering. Fresh, colourful, country-style decor complements the setting, and the house offers modern comfort in a historic setting. Full Breakfast provisions are supplied for each day of your stay. The grounds and garden are it perfect for children to play and for adults to sit in the shade, with views toward the vineyards and red gums.
Heritage touches
Room names recognise people and families linked with the area. The Campbell Room honours Major Campbell, an early figure in local life whose name appears in district records and stories. The Green Room recalls a family connected with postal services when the cottage supported travellers and mail. The Dunstan Room recognises growers and packers who helped move fruit and vegetables from nearby farms to townships. Together, these names trace everyday work and community ties in the Clare Valley.
How we host
Stays are private and relaxed. You let yourselves in with a key in the key safe on arrival day and make yourselves at home. We want to make things easy for you so you can experience the cottage and the district. If something needs urgent attention, we are available and respond as quickly as possible.
What to expect on arrival
- Clear arrival instructions sent by SMS on the morning of your stay
- Full Breakfast provisions in the kitchen are ready for each morning of your stay
- Fire already lit for a warm welcome and Firewood stacked for cool evenings in season
- Local notes for rides, short drives and simple day plans
Our cottage location and how to explore Clare Valley
Leasingham is situated between Watervale and Auburn, an ideal base for exploring the Clare Valley. The Riesling Trail is approximately 600 metres away from the Cottage, making short rides and walks easy. Towns, cellar doors and parks are a short drive in any direction with wineries within walking distance from the cottage.
Accessibility and suitability
The is not fully accessible due to steps at the entrance and some narrow doorways characteristic of the era. Guests find the layout straightforward, with three queen bedrooms and spaces to gather both indoors and outside. If you have any questions about access or sleeping arrangements, please don’t hesitate to ask before booking.
How we think about value
Guests often tell us they value space, calm and a setting that feels real. We keep the focus on comfort and practical details to enhance your stay. The Cottage is equipped for cooking simple meals, perfect for slow mornings and evenings spent by the barbecue or outside under the big skies.
Stay connected to the region and community
We support local producers and small operators whenever possible. Cellar doors, cafes, and shops change their opening hours with the seasons and events, so the visitor centre in Clare is a good first stop for current information. We also keep a short list of nearby places on our location and attractions page.
Plan your visit
When you are ready to book, choose dates that let you slow down. Two or three nights work well for a first visit, and more extended stays suit those who want more time on the Trail and around the area.
Helpful links
- Read Rooms and Amenities for details on bedding, kitchen details and breakfast.
- See our Clare Valley Cottage rates for packages, minimum nights and inclusions.
- Open Booking and Availability to check dates and request your stay.
- Read About Ethel’s Cottage
- Read more About the location and attractions
- Read more About the Riesling Trail and local wineries