OUR STORY
Four generations on the land, and a barn worth saving.
Ben Huckstepp Photography
The Barns of Freeling sit on a 6,000-acre working grain farm, owned by the Schuster family for four generations, on the edge of the township of Freeling in the Barossa’s Light region. The historic buildings, once used to store chaff and farm machinery, now have a new life as boutique accommodation and a place to celebrate, while keeping all of their history and character.
A HUNDRED YEARS IN THE MAKING
From horse-drawn wagons to silo suites
1921 Heinrich Bros. Builders build the barns for Mr John E Neldner, using limestone dug by hand from nearby paddocks and bluestone carted from the Greenock hills by horse and wagon. They store chaff and horse-drawn machinery, including a German wagon.
1980 The Schuster family buys the land. As farm machinery grows, the barns become too small and slowly fall into disrepair.
2007 Gavin and Sherinne's long-held dream to "do up" the barns gets a boost when a builder confirms the structure is worth saving.
2013 Plans are drawn up.
2019 The restoration is complete. What began as a space for family events becomes a beautiful venue and farm stay.
2022–23 Our custom-built silo suites open, made locally in the Barossa.
Today Weddings, retreats and stays, plus a charity sunflower patch when the season allows.
Castleforge Photography
THE AREA
Light Country, Barossa
The Barns of Freeling is just under an hour north of Adelaide and only 15 minutes from Gawler.
Nestled in the rural landscape of the Barossa, the 6,000-acre working grain farm sits beside the township of Freeling, a short drive from many of the Barossa’s best-known food, wine and cultural attractions.
Freeling is home to South Australia’s largest hay-producing area and was made famous by the McLeod’s Daughters TV series. Today it is also home to our three custom-built silo suites.
THINGS TO DO NEARBY
Approximate drive times from the Barns
≈ 20–30 MIN
Barossa wineries
Cellar doors around Seppeltsfield, Tanunda and Nuriootpa. Book a driver or tour and make a day of it.
≈ 15 MIN
Gawler
Cafés, shops and heritage streetscapes in one of SA’s oldest country towns.
≈ 15 MIN
Kapunda
A historic copper-mining town with heritage walks and a museum.
ON THE DOORSTEP
Freeling
The country town made famous by McLeod’s Daughters.
SUMMER
Sunflower Patch
When the season allows, pick sunflowers on Templers Road for a gold-coin donation to charity.
AFTER DARK
Stargazing
No city lights out here. Look up from the silo skylight or the lawn.