Esca at Nest & Nature

Claire and Mark bought their Inman Valley property, now known as Nest & Nature, in 2018. The couple had fallen in love with the area and began looking at properties for sale. They were intrigued by a small parcel of pastoral land for sale on Mount Alma. ‘We drove up to take a look and loved the views and pretty much straight away thought it deserved some kind of accommodation on it,’ says Claire.

Subsequent to the purchase of that first block, three adjacent properties came up for sale and with their expanding vision to add a function centre in the future, Mark and Claire eventually secured 240 acres. The initial concept was to develop a high-end couple’s retreat and they quickly set about finding an architect.

They came across South Australian trailblazers ESCA and were immediately drawn to the style and quality of their designs and decentralised hotel operator model. ESCA worked in partnership with architect and interior design firm Das Studio to obtain planning approval for five suites to be located in prime positions around the property.

A collaborative partnership was formed with ESCA and Nest & Nature now offers three separate couple’s accommodations on the property: first building an eco-structure for glamping and now the two luxury high-end suites – operated by ESCA and hosted by Claire and Mark. Apart from the idea to eventually build a function centre, there are > also plans to open a cellar door modelled on the ‘Artisans of the Barossa’ concept, as well as low-impact walking trails through the 120 acres of heritage-listed woodland which will allow guests to discover the property’s five waterfalls.

That’s all in the future, but for visitors to the property it’s impossible not to sink straight into the here and now. The drive through Springmount Conservation Park up Mount Alma begins the transition as we pass through stringybark forests and past yaccas fresh from the recent rains. As if on cue, a flock of rainbow lorikeets swoops past. Coming out the other side into the vast landscape of the large acreage, we find ourselves at one of the highest points on the Fleurieu with, on a clear day, views towards The Bluff at Encounter Bay to the left and Normanville to the right.

However, we can only imagine the view on the day we arrive, as the mist hangs thick in the valley. Rather than gazing at the ocean, we watch stormfronts blow in and out. A break in the clouds shines gorgeous light on the verdant landscape. All’s quiet apart from the birdsong. The discreet entrance to both suites – Nest at the top and Mist 120 metres down the valley – is set up for what the architects envisioned as an ‘unfolding of the view.’ As you enter, the blinds simultaneously lift and you have arrived at ESCA. The transition is complete. Deep breath in. And relax.

The footprint and layout of the suites is concise and considered. Drop your bags to the left and enter the lounge to the right, fireplace stacked. All the fixings you need for a glass of bubbles and a platter are at your fingertips and Claire and Mark have included a lot of local love in their selections. Cheeses are from Alexandrina and Paris Creek, with Matchett’s quince paste. Croissants come from Myponga’s Valley of Yore. Wine and bubbles are from nearby Mosquito Hill.

The materials inside and out are beautifully selected. Ryan Brown, founder and director of ESCA, describes the quality and thinking behind the concept: ‘We want to occupy the upper echelon of sustainable, eco, luxury accommodation. We want people to come to the suites to take in the environment but also experience the building itself.’ The interior selections create a sense of being warmly enveloped. The walnut flooring extends up the wall and onto the roof and its warmth is complemented by the tan leather lounge and wool throws. Fully revealed after their party trick on entry, the floor-to- ceiling windows bring the outside in. Stone countertops are a matteleather finish with a rough edge showing off the materiality.

This colour palette is carried seamlessly into the large en-suite via the matte bronze tapware in the rain shower and oversized, natural-stone bathtub. Another large window takes full advantage of the view, while its ledge holds luxe candles, Aesop soaps and shampoos, with more than enough space for your glass of bubbles. The team have also worked with the Jam Factory on bespoke hand-blown glass wall sconces, as well designer bar stools and artisanal ceramic plates and cups. >

Outside, a rough hewn screen curves around the outdoor fireplace and is echoed by a curved stone wall expertly crafted by local mason Billy Goat Brick Stone. The sunken outdoor bath looking out to the northwest has also proved to be popular with guests. Claire has been surprised that no matter the weather, couples will use the outdoor bath which is, of course, plumbed in with hot water. It’s an enticing option after taking a short walk up to Sunset Hill where guests can watch night fall over Second Valley.

ESCA’s business model is based on activating underutilised land in beautiful regional locations with luxury accommodation, and they’ve achieved an exceptional result at Nest & Nature. Mark and Claire are enthusiastic about the future and their vision for the property. ‘We really stuck our heads out to do this for the region. This part of the Fleurieu needed something and we really just wanted to put something special here,’ says Claire. And now the secret’s out –ESCA at Nest & Nature have consciously and sustainably helped elevate Inman Valley to its rightful place in the Fleurieu firmament.