NURIOOTPA’s historic Coulthard House will be commercially leased from November, helping to secure its future.
Nuriootpa Futures Association (NFA) made the announcement at its annual general meeting last night, marking a milestone several years in the making.
Coulthard House was built in the mid-1850s as the second home of explorer William Coulthard, who took up land in Angas Park and laid the foundations of Nuriootpa.
NFA chair Lyndon Stoll told The Bunyip a commercial lease would provide funds to cover continuing maintenance of a property of its historical significance.
The gardens and barn will remain available for community use, such as for markets and fairs, and for private hire, including weddings and functions.
“We are a not-for-profit, so funding for maintenance on a place of that age and history has always been very very difficult,” Mr Stoll said.
“...now that we’ve got a lease organised, we are in the position for that place to be self-maintained and consequently NFA as a board can focus now on specific projects and things we want to do for the town and community.”
The NFA recently secured a loan with the support of Barossa Council to enable it to carry out works largely relating to disability and fire-safety compliance, over the next few months to make the house commercially leasable.
Kerrie Woodards Insurance is due to start a fiveyear lease in November, with the option to extend for an additional five years.
The NFA has already undertaken significant work at the site, including upgrading the original dairy and cellar to also become a leasable office space. Grant funding also helped to enclose the 1970s-built barn, including a fit-out with a kitchen and bathroom, to make it suitable for hiring.
Coulthard House, while owned by the community, had sat largely unused for several years.
It has been used as a rental space for teachers, then a home for the Apex club, before eventually being left to sit empty.
Mr Stoll said a lot of work had been done to promote the property’s historical significance and gain support to have it made suitable for commercial lease.
“We’ve got a really active board and I think the businesses and the community has learnt to understand this is something really special,” he said.
“...with (their) engagement, we have finally achieved our goal and for that we are deeply grateful.”