Goat Square Cottages -Tanunda South Australia, Homestyle Accommodation in the Barossa Valley

Goat Square Artwork by
Rod Schubert, 2008.

After almost travelling to Perth Western Australia my partner, Enigma and I, decided to take a short getaway to the Barossa for three days over her birthday.

In a grueling twenty minute drive, in which I almost had time to ask "Are we there yet?" we arrived at our destination, Goat Square Cottages, Tanunda, South Australia.

Consisting of three adjoined cottages for up to eight guests, Goat Square Cottages are thought to be one of the oldest houses in the Barossa Valley, dating back to the late 1840s or very early 1850s. Its layout and stylings are likely influenced (and probably built) by German migrants who moved to the region at the time.

A restful seating spot at Goat Square Cottages.

Built around Goat Square, or Ziegenmarket (in German), the name comes from the custom of early settlers tethering their goats in the square.

In terms of accommodation we stayed in Kavel Cottage, at the rear of the building next to the carpark. The interior of the cottage, with a three room layout; kitchen/dining, Bedroom/Lounge, and bathroom, has all the modern features you would expect of any accommodation but in a country cottage style.

Bonus features include a wood burner stove heater, a two person spa, and free wi-fi. Also included is everything you need to cook your own continental breakfasts (or just have cereal).

The Lounge/Bedroom area feels very homely.

Enigma and I found the cottage a great place to relax. The main bedroom/lounge area is quite large, with two, two seater couches, feeling very homely and not like you're in a hotel room at all.

There is a shared garden with BBQ and outdoor seating, as well as shared laundry facilities. The main rear garden was looking very much in need of some TLC on the day we arrived, looking a bit dry and over grown, but I did notice a gardener came in the following day and tidied things up quite a bit.

Rear garden BBQ seating area is nice but, unless
you're having a BBQ, doesn't really feel inviting.

However, if the BBQ wasn't there you probably would fore go time in the cottage garden to go sit in the parkland of Goat Square itself, which is clearly manicured and well maintained with green lawn and seating.

The location of the cottages is perfect being only a short walk to Tanunda's main street, shopping, restaurant district. Giving plenty of choice for dining and more.

Both evenings we were there we walked down to the main street for dinner at the Valley Hotel/Motel. The dining room was not busy at all on a Monday or Tuesday night. I particularly enjoyed their chicken burger, complete with toasted bun.

The Valley Motel serve a very nice Chicken Burger.

Naturally you're also pretty central to all the local wineries too if that's your thing (it's not really for us), with most being within easy driving distance.

Enigma and I enjoyed our stay at Goat Square Cottages, and would recommend it if you're just looking for a relaxing getaway that feels more like a home than a hotel room.

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