Gabrielle Duykers, Naracoorte Community News

A 180-year-old homestead in the heart of Naracoorte will undergo repairs and a revamp before it begins its new life as a bed and breakfast.

Dartmoor Homestead was built in four stages between 1842 and 1890. The three-acre property is home to Naracoorte’s first dwelling – a small cottage nestled behind the homestead – built by George Ormerod in 1840.

The estate was purchased by local Natasha Biggins late last year, who said she was “absolutely thrilled” to own the local jewel.

“It has a very long and quite unique history,” Ms Biggins said. “I’m really looking forward to returning the property to its former glory.”

While initially used as a house, the homestead later became a bakery for the early settlers, before being transformed into an office for the South Eastern Water Conservation and Drainage Board. It was most recently used as a private residence.

The homestead is listed on the SA Heritage Register, and Ms Biggins said she was liaising with local historian Judy Murdoch to gather and document information surrounding the building’s history.

She will also be working alongside heritage staff during the restoration process over the coming months.

“Any work that needs to be done has to follow fairly strict rules about the look and feel of the property,” Ms Biggins said. 

“I’m looking forward to working together with all the professionals and experts in that field so that I can maintain the beautiful heritage of this property.”

The homestead boasts four bedrooms, three bathrooms, formal and informal dining areas, and a sitting room with an open marble fireplace.

With extensive experience managing hospitality and tourism venues in the region, she said she was passionate about promoting local sites, produce, and wine to her guests. 

“I will work very closely with Limestone Coast Tourism to really try and encourage people to stay a bit longer in the region,” Ms Biggins said. 

The property has been unlived in for the better part of a decade but Ms Biggins has now taken up residence on-site, where she will remain to cater for guests. 

Any community members with stories, pictures, or material pertaining to the property are encouraged to share them. 

“I want anyone’s support in helping piece (the building’s) story together,” Ms Biggins said.

This article appeared in the Naracoorte Community News, 26 January 2022.