Yankalilla character home resembles English cottage in Christmas rom-com The Holiday

A character-filled Yankalilla cottage is proving so popular with buyers that a waiting list has been established in the unlikely event it fails to sell at auction.

Spurred by the notion of a fairytale lifestyle, interest in 129 Smith Hill Rd has been strong, with Ray White selling agent Jason O’Halloran expecting at least five registered bidders to compete at this weekend’s auction.

“We’ve also got three people waiting behind the auction – they can’t bid at auction because their conditions aren’t conducive to that but we have got that back-up strategy, or third stage option,’’ Mr O’Halloran said.

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The Yankalilla property at 129 Smith Hill Rd looks like the cottage in Christmas rom-com The Holiday.

It’s just as quaint and quirky inside as it is outside.

It’s light, bright and airy throughout.

“Both (the vendor and buyers) are very realistic (about the selling price) so we do expect to get a good outcome.’’

Set on almost 2.4ha of woodland surrounds, the bluestone-clad, solid-brick cottage was built in 1992 but has a sense of being much older.

Those who have inspected the property felt like they were stepping into a fairytale, Mr O’Halloran said, with most of the interest coming from Adelaide-based buyers looking for a property to use as a weekend escape.

“There’s a character-filled romanticism that buyers have that this is going to be like living in Narnia,’’ Mr O’Halloran said.

“It’s a beautiful property and very photogenic.

“Everyone that’s seen it say they feel like they’re stepping into the (English cottage from Christmas rom-com) movie, The Holiday.’’

The open-plan home feels instantly cosy and much larger than its actual 139sqm of living space.

Believed to have been built by a stonemason, it features a living-dining-kitchen area with a charming open fireplace and exposed timber ceiling beams.

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The property has three bedrooms and one bathroom.

The loft makes for a perfect bedroom.

Look at all that entertainment space!

Two bedrooms look out to a cottage-style garden, while a handcrafted wooden staircase leads to a loft, or third bedroom space.

Outside, a “wooded glade’’ provides an endless source of firewood.

The property, which has Carrickalinga Creek as part of its boundary, is home to an array of wildlife, including bandicoots, Mr O’Halloran said.

To be sold fully-furnished, he said the property could be immediately enjoyed by its new owners.

“The only thing you have to do is pick out your favourite colour of gum boots and work out where the dog bowls are going to go,’’ he said.

“It’s walk-in, walk-out so it really is just about choosing your energy provider and what food you are going to get from (pick-your-own farm) Fleurieu Harvest to stock the fridge.’’

The property, which has been listed without a price guide, will be auctioned onsite at 1pm on August 3, unless sold prior.

– by Lauren Ahwan

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