Mackereth Cottage

Mackereth Cottage, built in 1839 by George and Sarah Mackereth, stands as a testament to early European settlement in South Australia. Located along Matthews Road in Dorset Vale, this heritage-listed stone dwelling was constructed from local sandstone and originally featured four rooms, a kitchen, dairy, and outbuildings. The Mackereths cultivated a 240-acre farm, planting fruit trees and establishing a vegetable garden. Over time, the cottage became a focal point for the local Kaurna people, who sought companionship and protection from the Mackereths during their visits to Adelaide. Despite enduring a bushfire in 1876, the cottage remained occupied until 1976. It was managed by the National Trust until 1984, after which it reverted to SA Water ownership. Unfortunately, the cottage suffered significant damage from vandalism and arson, leading to its current ruinous state. Today, it is part of the Scott Creek Conservation Park, with an interpretive sign providing historical context to visitors.