luxury off-grid accomodation

a celebration of place, people and stories

This idea was born from a love of this part of the world. A region that teaches us about its past, and continues to evolve for its future. At its core, the unique geology of McLaren Vale has been the foundation of everything. It’s what has made McLaren Vale into what it is today.

Designed to reflect the environment they rest within, our retreats focus on celebrating three key elements of our geology: Stone, Clay and Slate.

inspiration

Through careful design, Rare Earth Retreats have been created to find the harmony between living with low impact, and living in luxury.

Powered entirely by the sun, staying with us means understanding that for us to not only thrive, but survive, we must be aware of our consumption. Fed completely by rainwater catchment from the roof, we learn to celebrate days of rain, and enjoy the time set aside to rug up by the fire. Without rain, after all, we would have no water.

Through learning to live in accordance with what the earth provides, we become far more connected with our environment.

sustainability

Photos by Harry Vick

design

A celebration of place, people and stories, these spaces are the result of collaboration between South Australian artists and creatives.

Through the intentional balance of materials, textures and finishes, each retreat tells a different story of their surrounding environment.

Central to this, was the works created by South Australian artists from JamFactory, that designed and crafted exclusive pieces to fit seamlessly within the space, like they were always meant to be there. From coffee mugs to bar stools, no two pieces are the same, yet everything is intentional.

Read more about our custom pieces from the JamFactory below.

tailored experience

Whilst keeping this pocket of the world all to ourselves is tempting, we can’t help the desire to show everyone else how special our region south of Adelaide is.

Whether you are looking to switch off and escape, or learn all there is to know about McLaren Vale, we can help plan your journey just for you.

Head here for more information on our experiences.

about the artists

  • ceramics

    ‘For Rare Earth Retreats the Ceramics Studio has created a suite of custom objects fine tuned to harmonise with the landscape and architecture of the site.

    The ceramics at Rare Earth Retreats offer a rich sense of material play and speak directly to their handmade qualities. From bright russet hues to steely grey and warm earth tones, each respective interior finds their own unique voice.

    Designed for function and contemplation, this new collection features wheel thrown tableware, pendant and wall lighting, and a feature piece in the form of a ceramic basin. Stone-like and dense to the touch, the minimalist approach to each piece is offset by their custom glazes, which allow light to capture clean lines and shadows to wrap around soft edges.'

    Jordan Gower (Aburi Ceramics) | JamFactory Ceramics Studio

  • bespoke furniture

    ‘Taking inspiration from the surrounding natural landscape and architecture of Rare Earth Retreats, the JamFactory Furniture Studio design for the coffee table and bar stool play on materiality and visual texture.

    Solid, robust forms are tempered with soft curves and organic profiles to create a seamless harmony within the three interiors, Stone, Clay, and Slate.

    With each timber stain specially developed to thoughtfully complement each space, as well as custom brass footrests on each bar stool, a harmonious and considered design language throughout is created through thoughtful design and material.’

    Stuart Colwill & Jessica Miller | Jamfactory Furtniture Studio

  • custom metals

    ‘For our bespoke entry handles, the location on Coppermine Road acted as inspiration in our material choice of solid brass, a copper alloy. This inherently strong material has the ability to take on coloured patination, making it the perfect choice to match the Rare Earth interior colour scapes of Clay, Slate and Stone.

    Referencing the rolling hills and valleys of the McLaren wine region, each hand-hammered blow creates a unique depression. Providing peaks and troughs for different patination colours, as well as a tactile quality and textural hand-feel.

    As the first touchstone to the Rare Earth Retreats, the handles’ minimal, elegant design aims to be the introduction to the quality and comfort of the experience throughout.’

    Tom Golin | JamFactory Jewellery and Metal Studio