Business Details
34 Years
experience
Luxury Romantic Retreat in Clare Valley SA
Trestrail Cottage was born from a vision to create a secluded retreat where couples can disconnect from modern life and reconnect with nature. Established in 1992 by Sue and Vivian Ziersch, our cottage was meticulously crafted from local stone and early settler-inspired materials to blend seamlessly with the Clare Valley landscape. Over three decades, we've evolved to offer unique seasonal experiencesfrom open-air sleeping decks in summer to wood-fired saunas in winterwhile maintaining our commitment to privacy, serenity, and authentic Australian charm. After Sue's passing in 2012, Lisa Ziersch naturally transitioned into leading operations, continuing our tradition of meticulous attention to detail. Our property features handcrafted elements like the outdoor deck, sauna, and meditation spaces designed to foster digital detoxification.We provide curated local breakfast provisions and partnerships with Clare Valley producers to enhance your stay. With 100 acres of private woodland bordering conservation reserves, we offer unparalleled access to bushwalking trails and wildlife observation. Recognized through tourism awards and accreditation programs since 1999, we remain a family-operated business dedicated to creating memorable escapes. Our commitment extends beyond accommodationwe guide guests to regional wineries, restaurants, and cultural sites while maintaining rigorous cleanliness standards. Every feature, from the clawfoot bath to the heritage-themed library, reflects our philosophy of 'wild simplicity' that continues to attract returning visitors seeking soul-nourishing experiences.
Services
Romantic Accommodation
Seasonal Packages
Breakfast Provisions
Wood-fired Sauna
Outdoor Deck Sleeping
Bushwalking Access
Wine Region Tours
Pamper Packages
Heritage Experience
Digital Detox Retreat
Details
- Year established: 1992
Highlights and features
- Family-operated since 1992 with generational hospitality expertise
- Unique seasonal experiences: summer sleeping decks & winter saunas
- 100% commitment to cleanliness and maintenance standards
- Private 100-acre conservation-adjacent property for exclusive access
- Curated partnerships with Clare Valley's top food and wine producers
Associations and certifications
- National Tourism Accreditation Program
- Clare Valley Tourist Association
What people say
Cozy place
Unplug and relax
Magical experience
Scenic beauty
Excellent service
Services
Romantic Accommodation
Trestrail Cottage offers secluded romantic retreats in a handcrafted stone cottage. Nestled on 100 private acres adjacent to conservation reserves, our self-contained accommodation features antique furnishings, modern comforts, and immersive nature connections. Guests enjoy uninterrupted views of eucalyptus treetops and starlit skies.
Seasonal Packages
Our seasonal offerings include summer outdoor sleeping decks with screened enclosures and winter wood-fired saunas. These curated experiences maximize seasonal advantages while maintaining comfort, allowing guests to connect with nature through unique Australian-designed amenities tailored to weather conditions.
Pamper Packages
Enhance your stay with professionally delivered massage therapy sessions and personalized yoga instruction. Our packages feature local practitioners using premium facilities including private cottage spaces and outdoor decks surrounded by native bushland for holistic wellness experiences.
Local Provisions
Curated breakfast packages showcase Clare Valley producers with smoked bacon, free-range eggs, artisan bread, and seasonal produce. Additional gourmet options include antipasto hampers and BBQ trays featuring regional specialties, all designed to minimize preparation while maximizing culinary enjoyment.
Bushland Access
Direct access to 100 acres of private woodland and adjacent conservation reserves provides exceptional birdwatching, walking trails, and wildlife observation opportunities. The property features native flora including rare red stingy bark trees and seasonal wildflowers within a protected ecological environment.
People
Vivian Ziersch
Founder
Vivian began developing Trestrail in 1985, hand-building the stone cottage using local materials. His creative vision produced unique features like the wood-fired sauna and meditation spaces, establishing the property's distinctive character through 27 years of dedicated stewardship.
Sue Ziersch
Co-founder
Sue conceptualized Trestrail as a family retreat in the 1980s. She managed daily operations for 20 years, setting high standards for cleanliness and guest service until her passing in 2012, leaving a lasting operational legacy.
Lisa Ziersch
Operator
Lisa transitioned naturally into leadership after Sue's passing, continuing meticulous attention to detail across cleaning, guest communications, and property maintenance. With 12 years of operational experience, she preserves Trestrail's founding vision while implementing modern improvements.
Questions
What makes Trestrail Cottage unique?
Our handcrafted stone cottage combines heritage materials with modern comforts on 100 private acres adjacent to conservation reserves, offering seasonal experiences like outdoor sleeping decks and wood-fired saunas.
Are meals included in the stay?
Breakfast provisions from local producers can be booked in advance. We offer gourmet hampers, BBQ trays, and wine packages available for additional purchase with 2-day notice.
What seasonal features are available?
Summer includes screened outdoor decks for sleeping and cooling bush showers. Winter features a wood-fired sauna, heated stone room, and outdoor fire pit experiences.
How do I access local attractions?
We're 5 minutes from Sevenhill's wineries and restaurants. The Riesling Trail cycling path and Spring Gully Conservation Park are nearby. Complimentary wine from Jeanneret Wines included on arrival.
What wellness services are available?
Professional massage therapy and personalized yoga sessions with certified instructors can be arranged. Both indoor and outdoor treatment locations available depending on season.
Is internet access available?
We intentionally don't provide Wi-Fi to encourage digital detoxification. The property design promotes disconnection from technology and reconnection with natural surroundings.
