Hope House – 1900 Stone Villa

Hope House sits at the heart of Clare on one of the town's finest residential streets, in a solid stone villa built in 1900 that has all the hallmarks of the era: local stone construction, high ceilings throughout and a wraparound return verandah that invites long, unhurried evenings.

The house is owned by Cathy and Andrew Pike, who have farmed and made wine at Polish Hill River since 1984, when they and Andrew's brother Neil purchased 27 hectares in what is now considered one of the Clare Valley's most distinctive sub-regions. Over four decades, Pikes Polish Hill River Estate has grown to 100 hectares, and the family's footprint on the estate now includes the award-winning Slate Restaurant (hatted by the Australian Good Food Guide since 2020 and named Clare Valley Cellar Door with Best Food by Gourmet Traveller Wine Magazine), Pikes Beer Co, a tasting room, an art gallery and the Pruner's Hut private dining experience. The Pike family's beverage-making heritage stretches back further still, to 1886 and Henry Pike's Dorset Brewery in the Adelaide Hills.

Hope House is where Cathy and Andrew invite guests to stay in the town itself. The main living space is large and sun-drenched, with a combustion wood heater whose warm air can also be directed to the bedrooms overnight via a hallway switch. The living flows through to a chef's kitchen fully equipped for serious cooking: gas stove, oven, espresso machine, dishwasher, blender and full cookware. The all-weather entertainment deck with BBQ extends the living outdoors, and an outdoor fire pit and private backyard lawn complete the space.

Three bedrooms accommodate up to six guests. The master bedroom has a king bed and a full ensuite with spa bath running on rainwater with mains backup. The two remaining bedrooms have queen beds and share a bathroom. Two sofa beds are available for extra guests.

A breakfast provisions pack (eggs, bacon, tomatoes, bread, orange juice, cereal and coffee) is stocked in the kitchen on arrival, along with a complimentary bottle of Pikes wine. Clare's restaurants, cafes and the Riesling Trail are five minutes on foot. Pikes Wines, with its ancient 650-million-year-old slate soils and bowl geography that has shaped some of Australia's finest Riesling, is a short drive south on Polish Hill Road.
Guests have exclusive use of the entire house and property, except a small external storeroom. Self check-in via smart lock. Full arrival instructions provided before your stay. Check-in from 3 pm, check-out by 10 am. Off-street parking for 4 cars available on site.

Hope House is managed by Blocks Road. The home is fully self-contained for a private stay. We are available by phone or message throughout your visit for any assistance or local recommendations.

Hope House sits in the heart of Clare, widely regarded as the dress circle of the town, on a quiet leafy residential street five minutes walk from the main street, restaurants, cafes and pubs.

Clare is the main town of the Clare Valley, one of South Australia's great wine regions and the spiritual home of Australian Riesling. The Riesling Trail, one of Australia's most celebrated cycling and walking tracks, passes through Clare and connects the valley's towns and cellar doors all the way south to Auburn.

Just down the road on Polish Hill Road is Pikes Wines, owned by the Pike family who own Hope House. The estate includes the award-winning Slate Restaurant, Pikes Beer Co, a tasting room, an art gallery and the Pruner's Hut private dining experience. Nearby wineries with food include Pauletts, Mr Micks, Shut the Gate, Reilly's and Eldredge.

Clare's main street has a strong range of dining options within easy walking distance of Hope House: Ragu, Flinders Food Co (with a new upstairs licensed venue), Mr Micks, the Daily Grind, Cafe 1871 and Antidote Kitchen just north of town. Three hotels serve the town: Bentley's, the Clare Hotel and the Taminga. For something different, Sawmill Gin and Clare Valley Distillery both produce gin on site and offer light meals.

The Clare Valley Food Wine and Tourism Centre just as you enter town is an excellent starting point for planning your time in the region.

A few things worth knowing before you arrive.

Adults only: Hope House is not suited to children of any age.

Breakfast and wine: A breakfast provisions pack (eggs, bacon, tomatoes, bread, orange juice, cereal and coffee beans) is stocked in the kitchen on arrival, along with a complimentary bottle of Pikes wine.

Sofa beds: Two sofa beds are available for additional guests. Please advise before booking so extra bedding can be arranged and guests added to the booking.

Spa bath: The master ensuite spa bath runs on rainwater with mains backup. Jets operate when all jets are covered and the water level is above the armrests. Bath salts are provided, please conserve water where possible.

Fire pit: Available for use when no fire ban is in place. Wood can be purchased from the OTR on Victoria Road if needed.

BBQ: Must be cleaned thoroughly after use.

Security cameras: Exterior cameras are fitted at each corner of the home, covering external areas only.

Single level: The entire home is single level with no stairs.

No parties or events.

Adults only (18+). Not suited to children.

No smoking inside. Outdoor areas only.

No pets.

Quiet hours between 10 pm and 7 am. Hope House is on a quiet residential street in Clare.

BBQ must be cleaned thoroughly after use.

Please return all remotes to their original locations before checkout.

Please leave the house as you found it. Additional cleaning fees may apply for excessive mess.

Arrival instructions provided to the guest directly by email when full payment has been received.