Martindale Hall

Fantastic old building which was left to the people of SA. The state government must NOT be allowed to sell what isn't theirs

A great deal at the $5 entry fee.

An exquisite example of colonialist cultural cringe and overreach.
Unfortunately, the original owner was bankrupt within 11 years.probably from the cost of heating it in winter.

The next owner demonstrated their nouveau riche credentials with an unstructured collection of souveneirs from their world travels.
Some would describe the collection as eclectic, others as a mish-mash.
The vendor who sold them the carpets is probably still laughing.

In the Smoke Room, where many of the souveneirs are displayed, three items are falsely described as "opium pipes". They are, in fact, Chinese water pipes which are used for smoking tobacco. A similar level of scholarship and taste is shown with the nargile (a Turkish water pipe), the prominently displayed example would sell in the tackiest tourist shop in the Grand Bazzar with a first price of $5.

Martindale Hall sits, lonely in a forgotten backwater of the rolling hills of the Clare Valley. Safe from the inevitable sniggering at its pretentions if it were closer to civilisation.

Unfortunately the admission fee is a hefty $15, hidden until you are inside.

They don't make them like this anymore!

An amazing old mansion, with quite a few surprises in the decorations. Thoroughly enjoyed our visit. On a hot summers day the house is cool and refreshing.

Open between 10 and 4.we arrived a bit late, allow at least an hour to enjoy this magnificent mansion.absolutely a MUST SEE if you visit Clare Valley.it has retained ALL of it's old world charm and more.

The South Australian Parliament House has six urns, Martindale Hall has four on the facade and two more by the entry. Urns represent wealth.
This is an imposing sandstone building in mint condition, an expression of craftmanship, quality materials and a classical taste. The William Morris wallpapers have been very modern at the time and help the excessive collection of curios, modern (for the time) paintings and art noveau and deco pieces blend in.
The gardens are well maintained, seem modest compared to the building.
The Coach House is one of the biggest residential garages I've seen.
The entry fee is modest but an hour will only give you a cursory glimpse: there is a video about the history and also the Coach House to look at. Anyone interested in history, trades, arts etc will need two hours or more.

An absolute awe, a must visit.
Such a beautifully kept piece of family history on view to the public.
I thought the kids would be bored doing a self tour, but they left impressed. They enjoyed the history and the detail of every room had to offer.
Note: no flash permitted, fee applicable but is discounted if you’ve come from the Mintaro Maze.

Just brilliant family history! What a way to live, definitely opens your eyes to another era! Great spot and lovely things to see

A beautiful place and well worth a visit. A lovely look " back in time" to how "the other half lived"

Well worth a visit. We arrived at 3.15pm, later than we expected. They close at 4.00pm.
We were unsure if we would be allowed in so close to closing time and if we would see it all in that time. The helpful woman at admissions assured us she would wait until we were finished. That was so lovely of her.
We are very grateful that we viewed this magnificant place. A must do.

A must visit when in Clare valley.

Wandering through this well preserved mansion is like time travelling back to the 18th century. Every room has a detailed description of its significance.

The Valentine's room is creepy and interesting!

PLEASE NOTE THAT MARTINDALE HALL WILL BE CLOSED FOR RESTORATIONS FROM MONDAY THE 22ND OF MARCH 2021 TO FRIDAY 26TH MARCH 2021. THE HALL REOPENS ON SATURDAY 27TH OF MARCH 2021.

Could do with a good clean and open the windows garden needs a spruce up aswell. Would be disappointed if I bequeathed something and the opportunity neglected

One of the most beautifully preserved 'historic' mansions I've seen so far in Australia and I've seen a few. The entrance hall is stunning and the Smoke Room full of interesting collectables from around the world. Interesting family history too. We spent just over an hour taking our time reading and ogling at the antiques.

Didnt go in as offer no secure area but make you leave all bags and prams outside, including handbags