As I sit here by the fireplace, with a glass of local wine in hand, a mob of kangaroos hop past the huge expanse of glass, framing the front of the West wing of Snellings View. The holiday house on Kangaroo Island’s North shore, makes the most of the incredible view which overlook the rolling green hills and valleys which lead to the sea.
Nestled atop the crest of Constitution Hill which steeply tumbles straight down to Snelling Beach, they stay here has given me the chance to soak up a seascape, the likes of which I’ve never see.
The waves crash ashore in the distance, their musical rhythm carried up through the valley to my temporary home.
Fronted with a long timber deck, which has become more aged and subtle with weather, blending into the landscape, Snellings View invites you to enjoy just what Kangaroo Island is all about. Nature at its best.
From the lounging recliners perched atop views of what could be the Scottish highlands, to the timber picnic setting which invitingly lures you outside, the entire experience at this holiday accommodation makes the most of its incredible location.
Fortunately, the recent bushfires left Snellings View and the surrounding wildlife virtually untouched, and ready to receive visitors.
While it seems you could enjoy this captivating getaway any time of year, winter seems the ideal time to soak up these lush green views, with the fireplace making for the ideal companion.
The house is filled with simple touches which make you feel right at home, and the clean Scandi decorating style, makes the house feel like it’s straight out of a magazine. Importantly though, it’s still comfortable, and welcoming.
There’s DVDs if you’re wanting to chill out on the couch, books and magazines, CDs, and plenty of family friendly board games and activities for house-bound or rainy days.
Hot tip: my 9 year old daughter discovered this one. Under the couch is an electrical socket for the feature lamp. There’s a spare plug so you can pop your phone charger in there while you sit on the couch. Handy!
For the warmer weather there’s beach supplies including a shade pop up, beach chairs and towels, and more. There’s even a telescope!
The master bedroom features a comfy queen sized bed, with pristine linen (everything is cleaned to Covid-19 guidelines), a walk in wardrobe with plenty of room to unpack, plus en-suite.
The second bedroom was great for our kids, featuring another queen and single bed, nicely separated from our end of the house, but with close access to a toilet and bathroom, with bath. There’s also a trundle bed available, and some provisions for a baby or toddler.
Altogether, each wing sleeps 6, or 12 in total if both wings are booked.
If you’re staying a while, there’s even a laundry, complete with all the cleaning materials you might need, should you bring sand, or mud, into this magazine-worthy house.
During winter, they’ve made sure nobody gets cold, with a reverse cycle air conditioner in the main living area to accompany the gas log fireplace (but you really don’t need both on), plus there’s heaters in both bedrooms if you really feel the cold. Again, we didn’t need to use those, as the fireplace easily heat the whole house.
If you are travelling with another family, there is a mirrored, adjoining house, which is quite separate thanks to a bridging entranceway which joins the two, but it can all be opened up so both homes are connected.
There’s also a great BBQ area between the two, for when weather permits.
While you’ll never want to leave the well-appointed retreat, there’s also plenty to do on the island at the moment, with Snellings View, centrally located to a raft of options.
At the moment, many of the local Kangaroo Island experiences, normally shut over the cooler months, are all open, hoping you’ll come to visit, and spend.
After the destructive Summer bushfires, and then facing the Covid-19 impact to tourism, they’re reliant on South Australians to help keep their doors open. This is your chance to help.
Welcoming open fires beckon at nearby destinations like KI Spirits, and the Islander Estate vineyard.
Tours like KI Odyssey’s “Road to Recovery” are astonishingly honest and insightful, as you’re shown the devastation, and recovery of key tourism areas, national parks, and businesses on the island.
The Flinders Chase National Park has reopened, and places like Seal Bay, Admiral’s Arch (1 hour from Snellings View) and the Remarkable Rocks are all able to be visited. Just make sure not to walk on any plants. It’s a really fragile ecosystem right now so staying on the path or road has never been more important.
Love your food? There’s tours for that too. But whether you’re after adventure or just want to unwind and read a book, you’d be hard pressed to find a better place to cosy up and find some you time.
If you’re not able to visit this piece of paradise just yet, please support the local KI businesses by purchasing from the KI stall at the Adelaide Central Markets or online.
BOOKING DETAILS
There’s a minimum 2 night stay at Snellings View, with the price range (per wing, per night) from $350 for 2, plus $25 per extra person dependant on season. No pets are allowed, to protect local wildlife.
Snellings View adheres to Covid-19 cleaning guidelines as advised by local tourism bodies, and we personally, I found it to be exceptionally clean, and everything was basically as new.
To book, visit https://snellingsview.com.au/
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