** Also read our article on "Unique Accommodation in Australia: Tiny Homes, glamping and cabins" **
Guided by the Google Maps link sent by "The CABN Crew" via email, I find myself just minutes away from my "CABN X Giles" nestled in the heart of McLaren Vale, about 40 kilometers south of Adelaide. The last 200 meters unfold on an unpaved road flanked by towering eucalyptus trees, enhancing the sense of mystery and exclusivity of this unique site. After unlocking the gate's padlock with the provided code, I park my car in a clearly indicated spot and cover the final 50 meters on foot, following a path illuminated by small ground lights guiding me through the darkness. As instructed, I locate the key in a lockbox opened with a code they supplied, and I step into my new "home" for the night.
Simple and rustic, yet eco-friendly and inviting, the interior of the CABN X immediately puts me at ease. Upon entering, I'm greeted by a minimalist design that seamlessly blends modern comforts with natural elements. Large floor-to-ceiling windows dominate the space, allowing an abundance of natural light to flood the cabin during the day and offering panoramic views of the surrounding bushland. The open-plan living area features a cozy seating nook with armchairs positioned to face the stunning vistas.
The kitchen, though compact, is fully equipped with sustainable appliances, including a stovetop, refrigerator, and all the essentials needed to prepare a hearty meal. The sleeping area boasts a king-size bed adorned with luxurious linens, strategically placed under a skylight. I feel immersed in this rural setting, enveloped by darkness illuminated only by the stars.
Firewood is thoughtfully provided both inside, in a wood-burning stove, and outside on the terrace. I light a fire before drifting off to sleep, gazing at the starry sky from my bed on this beautiful spring night. Here, there's no television or Wi-Fi to disturb the tranquility of my slumber.
I awaken to the first birdsongs and the gentle glow of dawn revealing, through the large windows, majestic centuries-old eucalyptus trees and, beyond them, vineyards stretching across the plains in neatly ordered rows. The comfortable king-size bed and the profound silence of the Australian countryside have afforded me a restful night's sleep. The morning atmosphere is serene, and it's impossible not to feel a deep connection with the surrounding landscape.
I explore more of the cabin, discovering a terrace equipped with an outdoor bathtub—complementing the indoor one—and a fire pit where I envision an evening spent by the flames, seated on one of the eucalyptus trunks repurposed into quaint benches.
I decide to indulge in the spa, seamlessly integrated as an extension of the bathroom. Its operation is delightfully rustic: a stone column heated by a fire that I light and tend with wood. Once again, a large bay window offers uninterrupted views of the surrounding scenery.
Energized by this morning experience, I set out to explore the surrounding countryside. Despite the vast open spaces, venturing through the vineyards isn't possible—they're protected by fences, as winegrowers are cautious about visitors potentially bringing in diseases harmful to their vines. So, I continue my exploration by car, discovering an area rich with wineries and wine cellars, as well as picturesque and historic villages like Willunga. Nearby national parks like Onkaparinga beckon for further adventure, and just a few kilometers from the cabin, I stumble upon a camel farm!
The CABN X MacLaren Vale is highly recommended for couples seeking an original, simple, yet romantic immersion in the countryside of the Fleurieu Peninsula (McLaren Vale). The rustic and ecological aspects give this accommodation its unique charm. The Fleurieu Peninsula and McLaren Vale offer beautiful rolling landscapes adorned with meadows, forests, and vineyards, punctuated by picturesque villages, wine estates, and cellars. Spending one or two nights here is fully justified, whether you're departing from Adelaide or returning from Kangaroo Island, as McLaren Vale is conveniently located halfway between the island and South Australia's capital.
In South Australia, CABN allows guests to immerse themselves in australian landscape while encouraging disconnection from everyday life.
Each cabin, crafted primarily from locally sourced and sustainable materials, embodies a "leave no trace" philosophy, requiring minimal infrastructure. These completely off-grid, minimalist, sustainable, and eco-friendly cabins nestle within nature, equipped with all the essentials.
In addition to McLaren Vale, you can find these havens at serene and secluded locations throughout South Australia, including places like the Barossa (at Seppeltsfield, just 55 minutes north of Adelaide), Clare Valley, and Kuitpo Forest (40 km south of Adelaide on the way to the Fleurieu Peninsula), as well as at Cape St Albans on Kangaroo Island (a 30-minute drive from the Kangaroo Island SeaLink ferry terminal at Penneshaw and less than an hour's drive from Kingscote Airport). A brand new CABN also opened in August in Hahndorf, offering eco-friendly tiny houses nestled in the picturesque Adelaide Hills. This location allows guests to disconnect and immerse themselves in nature while being just a short distance from the historic "German village" of Hahndorf, renowned for its artisan shops, cafes, and wineries.
