With a winemaking history that dates back more than a century, Coonawarra is one of Australia's oldest wine regions. The first vines were planted in 1891 by Scottish settler John Riddoch, who saw potential in the flat, fertile land that had previously only been used for sheep farming and fruit growing. At the time the region was known as the ‘Penola Fruit Colony’, until Riddoch changed it to Coonawarra, the Indigenous word for ‘honeysuckle’, in 1897.
It was in this historical context that another family of Scottish settlers, the McGillivrays, constructed the Balragon property now listed for sale. Built in 1901, the homestead sits on five hectares of land and originally formed part of the McGillivray family’s vast Maaoupe Park estate. Balragon and the surrounding land remained in the family until 2020, making the sale of this 124-year-old estate a rare opportunity.
Location has always been central to Coonawarra’s success, and Balragon sits right in the thick of it. Positioned on Lynch Road, adjacent to the Coonawarra airstrip and just four minutes from the township, the property is close to acclaimed cellar doors, the local General Store and Post Office, and dining destinations such as the renowned Ottelia restaurant.
The homestead itself is a striking reminder of early Coonawarra life. Despite being over a century old, it stands in excellent original condition, with solid bones, graceful proportions and craftsmanship that speaks of the era in which it was built. Marble fireplaces anchor both the formal lounge and dining rooms, while bay windows and generous rooms offer light and scale rarely found in contemporary builds.
There’s no kitchen or bathroom currently in place, but that absence is part of the appeal: Balragon invites a considered restoration, with unlimited possibilities.
For the right buyer, Balragon could become much more than a private residence. The property has potential to be transformed into a cellar door, a restaurant, boutique accommodation or a visitor experience that celebrates the history, produce and landscapes of Coonawarra and the wider Limestone Coast. Power and bore water are already in place, providing a practical foundation for development.
In today’s wine landscape, where authenticity and sense of place are increasingly valued, Balragon represents something rare: a chance to invest in story as much as structure. It’s an opportunity for a wine industry professional, investor or engaged wine lover to become part of Coonawarra’s ongoing narrative – not just by owning land, but by giving new life to a property that has watched the region evolve for more than a century.
For further information or to register your interest, contact Karly Honner (0438 339 729) or Mark De Garis (0428 372 124) or visit the listing online.
