When I say you’ll want for nothing at Merilli1885, I mean nothing!
Sometimes life gets a little too loud (hello, children yelling ‘MUM!’ 67 times before breakfast), and all you need is a weekend away with your girls. A weekend where your only responsibilities are keeping the tea hot, the wine flowing and the cheese platters on high rotation. Sound good?
Enter: Merilli1885 in Currency Creek.
A labour of love
Recently, my sister, my bestie and I escaped to this stunning country sanctuary for the ultimate ‘mum-cation.’ And honestly, we’re still emotionally recovering from our return to reality!
From the moment you arrive, Merilli1885 feels like a warm hug. This lovingly restored 1800s stone cottage is the handiwork of Sophie and Richard Mintz, who’ve poured their hearts into every square inch of the place.
It was instantly clear that this wasn’t your average renovation — it was a passion project. A true labour of love. The cottage’s historic charm has not only been retained, but honoured and enhanced. When you combine this with every modern luxury you could dream of, the result will have you swooning at every turn… and never (ever) wanting to leave!
The simple pleasures
Let’s be real, us mums take our kid-free time verrrry seriously. The girls and I were so excited to catch up (without the mental load tapping us on our shoulders), that we literally wrote an agenda on the drive up of ‘things to discuss.’ Because, what a luxury to actually finish a whole conversation without being asked for a snack or refereeing a sibling brawl!
After a lot of excited ‘ohhhh-ing’ and ‘ahhhh-ing’, we got straight to business: bras off, robes on, fireplace lit, tea and chocolate in hand. Seriously, name a better scenario!
Just when we thought things couldn’t get any more perfect… we fluked our stay to coincide with the wettest three days in July since 1865. Rain fell steadily the entire weekend — from a gentle drizzle to full-blown downpours. And honestly, there’s nothing quite like hearing rain on a tin roof while you’re snuggled up in PJs by the fire.
Watching the mist roll across the valley through the floor-to-ceiling windows was what winter weekend dreams are made of. Seeing the dam (which had recently been dry) fill up with water was the cherry on top.
Interior goals
Inside, Merilli1885 is next-level. Think original stone walls, exposed timber rafters, Persian rugs and luxurious throws and cushions, all wrapped around a breathtaking stone fireplace that ties everything together. It’s like stepping into the pages of a dreamy interiors magazine. But it’s not just beautiful — it’s thoughtful. Sophie and Richard have considered every detail. It’s incredibly luxe, yet so very homely. The result: instant relaxation!
The kind of kitchen you WANT to cook in
Now, let’s talk about that kitchen. Spotlessly clean, fully stocked with local South Aussie goodies (supplies for a cooked breakfast, granola, yogurt, milk — the works), and a pantry full of essentials and indulgences… (like a Donna Hay brownie mix just begging to be baked). And when you see that oven, you’ll understand the urge to use it! There’s also a barbeque on the deck outside if you feel like cooking with a view.
Bubble baths and slow mornings
Each of the two suites at Merilli1885 has its own bathroom… and the bathtub deserves an honourable mention of its own. Positioned next to a window which overlooks the rolling green hills, and complete with the most divine lavender-infused bath salts, you’ll want to settle in for a nice long soak. Afterwards, slather yourself in the luxe body lotion, flop into a bed of luxury linen and enjoy the kind of deep, uninterrupted sleep that feels like a spa treatment in itself.
Hot tip: in the morning, open the curtains, make yourself a coffee, take it back to bed and sip while enjoying the view. Repeat (because you can)!
Stay in or explore
While there’s plenty to explore nearby (Middleton Beach is under 10 minutes away and Goolwa’s just 15), you might not actually want to leave the Merilli bubble! We only ventured out once for a grocery run — because, as mentioned, we actually WANTED to cook in that kitchen. Picture this: fire crackling, jazz playing, red wine flowing and your besties whipping up dinner together. Also, not a chicken nugget in sight!
If a complete break from cooking was on your bingo card, there are loads of great eating out options nearby. Port Elliot Pub is perfect for a casual meal and we’ve also heard amazing things about Crisp in Port Elliot and Hay Street in Goolwa if you’re after something a little more fancy. Also, Sophie is the ‘hostess with the mostess’ and is always very happy to help with local tips and tricks.
Unexpected highlight
One of our absolute favourite extras at Merilli1885 was the horses! The Mintz family’s beautiful horses roam the paddocks beside the property and if you promise to keep all the gates closed, you’re welcome to say hello. We befriended a particularly affectionate chestnut called Whiskey, who smothered us with hugs and kisses. It turns out equine therapy is a thing — our hearts were officially stolen and our souls revived!
If you’re looking for a truly magical place for a girls’ getaway, a romantic weekend or just a much-needed break from reality, look no further than Merilli1885. But don’t snooze on it — this once-hidden gem won’t stay hidden for long!
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