Our Story
A leap of faith into the unknown, respecting the past and creating a modern comfortable future
Monique and Charlie are the owners of the property.
They spent over two years renovating the heritage listed schoolhouse.
Built in 1858, this charming schoolhouse has witnessed generations of students passing through its doors. Originally opening and closing several times between 1858 and 1876, it finally became a permanent school in 1876, serving the community until 1938.
Constructed for just 395 pounds, this state heritage-listed residence has stood the test of time, preserving its legacy for over 160 years. Throughout its 80 years as a schoolhouse, hundreds of children learned within its sandstone walls, leaving behind stories that still linger in its halls.
After its closure as a school, the building remained an iconic piece of Balhannah’s history. A careful and extensive restoration between 2021 and 2023 has transformed it into a beautiful self-contained apartment, ensuring its past is honored while embracing contemporary comfort.
Featured on ABC’s "Restoration Australia" (Season 7, Episode 5), this remarkable transformation has breathed new life into a treasured piece of South Australian heritage—a place where history and modern elegance seamlessly intertwine.
The episode has been turned into an ABC newspaper article:
We were interviewed on ABC evenings program with Renee Krosch on 8 5 25. You can listen here from around 3:45 to 10:30.
The Old School was also featured in the Winter Edition of The Hills Wanderer magazine (The magazine of The Courier).