Collingrove Homestead, Angaston, South Australia
Collingrove Homestead at Angaston was bequeathed to the National Trust by Ronald Angas in 1976. Collingrove Homestead offers the public many opportunities to experience part of South Australia’s rich English heritage. Collingrove is a widely acclaimed and admired property of national importance. Its significance however, lies more in the distinction of the family who built it and lived there for more than a hundred years than its architectural merit. The single storey sprawling homestead is an authentic mansion located in the beautiful Barossa Valley wine growing region and provides a fine example of how our colonists created a new Australian architecture.
Property History
Built in 1856 by South Australian pioneer John Angas as a little piece of England for his wife Suzanne. John Angas was one of South Australia’s most influential pioneers and conceived Collingrove as the Angas family home and headquarters for their considerable pastoral interests. The Angas family made significant contributions to the growth and development of South Australia from its earliest days through political involvement, pastoral endeavours and philanthropic gesture.
Architectural Features
The property consists of twelve acres of lawn area and manicured gardens which surround the homestead. The homestead is large and sprawling and built of locally quarried Tapley Hill Bluestone. This is laid in coursed random pattern with locally quarried Adelaide white soapstone to the window and door dressings and massive capstan chimneys. Finely detailed gable-ends and bow-windows with timber louvered shutters offer delicate relief against the South Australian freestone. The refined architectural composition makes it an excellent example of our colonial pioneering homesteads. The magnificent homestead complex is set amongst ancient and twisted gums of the Barossa Valley. Beyond the gardens are rustic paddocks complete with century old trees and grounds with a peaceful and serene setting and home to many native birds and wildlife.
Special Comments from Chris Wilmar, Architect
For several decades now, Collingrove homestead has been leased to various luxury bed and breakfast and wedding operators. The original servant’s quarters have been converted to guest rooms to help accommodate their needs. With established English trees including an impressive English Oak (circa 1860) and gardens are home to many species of native birds. You can often see kangaroos or echidna’s or other native wildlife in the compound. Collingrove is set in a beautiful and peaceful setting with rich and interesting history in the famous Barossa Valley wine growing region of South Australia, home to some of the world’s best wines.
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