Thorn Park by the vines is a gourmet traveller's delight - a fusion of luxurious surroundings and high culinary art with masters of hospitality, David Hay and Michael Speers, renowned cook and talented artist. Providing a magnificent dining and accommodation experience of supreme quality, David and Michael deliver world-class contemporary Australian cuisine and superb service. Enjoy a degustation experience in relaxed elegant surrounds, with a selection of exquisite wines from an extensive cellar. The galley kitchen is open to the dining room, allowing guests peripheral engagement in the theatre of the kitchen. The living areas at Thorn Park by the vines are light and open, looking out over spectacular bush and vineyard vistas. Superbly furnished with wonderful artworks and treasures from Europe and the Middle East, along with beautiful fabrics and textures and unexpected extravagances make for a delightful experience. Private places include a library full of interesting books about art, history, architecture, travel and of course food and wine. Each suite has its own view and private area. The combination of style, elegance and comfort, along with divine cuisine and legendary front-of-house service makes for a truly unique experience. Art and cooking classes are available by prior arrangement.
Located on the edge of Seven Hill in the Clare Valley in South Australia, Thorn Park by the vines is ideally situated to explore this beautiful wine region. The Clare Valley is one of Australia's premium wine producing areas, internationally renowned for the quality of the Riesling wines it produces. You can hire a mountain bike, a tandem, retro cruiser, or even an electric bike. So get ready for a day of adventure on the Riesling Trail, winding through the picturesque Clare Valley wine region for 35 kilometres from Auburn to Clare. Discover the many attractions of Clare, from gift shops to cafes, galleries to gardens, there's so much to see.
With vistas over the dam and mature eucalypts, this is the largest room with a king size bed that can be twinned. The walls are a soft white and the furnishings include beautiful turkish rugs and a contemporary floral pattern with sheer muslin drapes that complement the collection of beautiful antiques and art works. A chaise lounge provides a perfect spot to lay back and relax with a good book. Equipped with ensuite, internet, reverse cycle airconditioning, fan and under-floor heating.
The second of the larger rooms, the Mocha Room, looks over nearby vineyards and the protective stone ridge to the east. It has a king size bed that can also be twinned. The walls are a rich mocha brown. The furniture combines Australian cedar and mahogany pieces with lighter contemporary fabrics. A large striped armchair is a comfy place for a read and the eclectic art works include works by former local artist Russell Pick, antique Daumier cartoons and other works collected on the boys' travels.
The yellow and blue drapes and lightly sponged yellow walls enhance the chinoiserie feel of this queen bedded room. A collection of botanical prints and Royal Doulton plates adorn the walls and a superb early Australian Huon pine wardrobe and Georgian chest of drawers complement the décor. A small desk and comfortable armchair complete the furnishings. This room is also suitable for guests with special mobility requirements.
Homemade breakfast included
Dinner including beverages $125 for house guests only (subject to change)
2x KS split /1x QS beds
Ensuite
Linen supplied
Cellar
TV/DVD/WiFi
SC kitchen
Airconditioning
Underfloor heating
Open fireplace
Laundry
BBQ
Gourmet food
Cooking classes
Art classes
Riesling Trail
Kilikanoon Winery
Lakeside Miniature Railway
Sevenhill Cellars
Greg Cooley Winery
Clare Valley Brewing Company
Daisy Vintage and Classic Cars
Claymore Wines
Sir Thomas Playford Etsa Museum
Mitchell Wines
It is difficult to come up with any new superlatives to describe Thorn Park, whether one considers it a small boutique hotel or a super upscale B&B. It is about as close to perfection as you will come. Every detail has been carefully considered, supplied for your comfort, and then meticulously maintained. Having said that about the facilities, the highlight of one's stay is likely to be the hosts - David and Michael. It is hard to imagine anyone could be more hospitable. And then there is the food! We have eaten in some of the finest restaurants in the world, including several Michelin 2 and 3-star establishments. David's culinary skills and presentations would stand up to the best of them. To stay at Thorn Park and not have dinner would be a very grave error in judgement!
Melbourne
This is a gem hidden away in the vineyard area of Clare, so surrounded by good food and wine at the nearby wineries. None of then match the food and hospitality at Thorn Park. David and Michael are the perfect hosts , so attentive and up for plenty of laughs if that is your want. Facilities are top class, beautifully decorated bedrooms all with en suites and heating and cooling and great beds. The lounge areas are inviting and perfect for the evening drinks that you will enjoy before the dinner. The food was the highlight for me, beautifully cooked and presented but strikingly different from what you may expect. Much more interesting than usual - too good to just be called fine dining. Just a wonderful place to spend 2 or three days.
Melbourne, Australia
David and Michael made us feel like honoured guests in their home a wonderful ambiance with an unbelievable attention to detail. Freshly prepared food with matching wines equivalent to dining in a 5 star restaurant. My husband and I with our 2 friends had a truly wonderful experience. It was lovely to just sit and read in the beautifully decorated sitting rooms after time visiting the nearby vineyards. We will definitely return.
Caboolture, Queensland
My husband recently had a significant birthday so where to celebrate not too far from Adelaide? Thorn Park of course. We had not visited the" new" Thorn Park and were delighted that the care and attention is the same, if not better! David and Michael made John's celebrations special. G & T's on the verandah overlooking the vineyards after a day wine tasting and sightseeing around Clare then dining on David's superb menu and cared for by Michael. Breakfast was a treat also. So pleasing to know that this property still operates with such class and style and one you would highly recommend to the most discerning traveller.
Adelaide, SA
Be inspired by the natural beauty of this region. See it, feel it, taste it.