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Boutique accommodation in historic beachfront cottage. Self-contained or B&B

Photo gallery for Boutique accommodation in historic beachfront cottage. Self-contained or B&B

View from the front verandah of the cottage.
Terrace/patio
A guest looking at the view and reflecting on the day.
Magpie enjoying the birdbath in front of the cottage.
Pan in the aloes

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 4

Popular amenities

  • Beach view
  • Breakfast available
  • Dryer
  • Parking available
  • Washer
  • Fireplace

Explore the area

Map
Encounter Bay, SA
  • The Bluff
    ‪3 min drive‬
  • Victor Harbor Heritage Trail: Petrel Cove Trailhead
    ‪5 min drive‬
  • Warland Reserve
    ‪5 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 4)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Double Bed

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Garden
Dining Area

About this property

Boutique accommodation in historic beachfront cottage. Self-contained or B&B

Whether looking for a romantic getaway or simply time out to unwind, Yelki will be sure to weave its magic. This historic heritage (1830's) beachfront cottage seamlessly blends old and new to offer wonderfully comfortable accommodation.

The cosy armchairs, wooden floors, rugs and fireplace will envelope you in their warmth, while you take in the view and ponder on thoughts of the day or lose yourself in a good book. Sit on the veranda or lawn under the pepper tree with a glass of wine as you enjoy the magnificent ocean vista of Wright Island and the Bluff.

Cook in the charming well-equipped kitchen and enjoy the meal in the breakfast room overlooking the back garden with its lovely profusion of plants, flowers and birds.

With the sound and smell of the ocean and two comfortable bedrooms your sleep is sure to be deep and restful. The cottage is completed with a sparkling modern bathroom.

A few steps to the beach or pathway leading to the Bluff and on, using the Heysen Trail past Petrel Cove, Kings Beach and Waitpinga cliffs; or with a bike follow the pathway into the town centre and along the coast to Port Elliot; further still to Goolwa and the Murray Mouth. Flagging enthusiasm could mean putting yourselves and your bikes on the Cockle train for the return trip.

Yelki by the Sea is well located, as just a short amble along the beachfront will find you at The Beach House Cafe (woodfired pizza and north Indian curries), Whalers Restaurant (a la carte), or the ever-popular Yilki Store, where they essentially manage to offer the rest.

Yelki by the Sea is not suitable for children.

Property manager

Sue Brewster-Jones

Languages

English

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Free WiFi
Outdoor space
Breakfast available

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House Rules

Check in after 2:00 PM
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Adults only
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
This property uses eco-friendly cleaning products
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit

We should mention

A car is required for transport to and from this property

About the area

Encounter Bay

Located in Encounter Bay, this cottage is on the beach. Kent Reserve and West Island Encounter Bay Aquatic Reserve reflect the area's natural beauty and area attractions include Urimbirra Wildlife Park and Nangawooka Flora Reserve. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
View more Cottages in Encounter BayOpens in a new window
Map
Encounter Bay, SA

What's nearby

  • Kent Reserve - 13 min walk - 1.2 km
  • The Bluff - 3 min drive - 2.1 km
  • Victor Harbor Heritage Trail: Petrel Cove Trailhead - 5 min drive - 2.4 km
  • Warland Reserve - 5 min drive - 3.9 km
  • Victor Harbor Horse Drawn Tram - 6 min drive - 4.1 km

Getting around

  • Victor Harbor Station - 6 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪McDonald's - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪KFC - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Domino's Pizza - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Hotel Crown - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Nino's of Victor Harbor - ‬5 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Boutique accommodation in historic beachfront cottage. Self-contained or B&B pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Boutique accommodation in historic beachfront cottage. Self-contained or B&B?

Check-in begins at 2:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Boutique accommodation in historic beachfront cottage. Self-contained or B&B?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Boutique accommodation in historic beachfront cottage. Self-contained or B&B located?

Nestled on the beach, this Encounter Bay cottage is within a 15-minute walk of Encounter Bay and Kent Reserve. Victor Harbor Heritage Trail: Petrel Cove Trailhead and The Bluff are also within 2 miles (3 km).

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 24 out of 25 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 1 out of 25 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 25 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 25 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 25 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

9.8/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Silke G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful cosy cottage
Stunning very beautifully renovated historic cottage- fantastic kitchen with everything you need! Loved our time there! Very friendly hosts that made us feel welcome!
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Inger M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Fabulous
We enjoyed our stay - perfect for a weekend getaway. John and Sue are lovely hosts.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Julie G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Unique Historical Cottage
Historical cottage from whaling times sensitively updated with modern conveniences. Owners are welcoming and generous. Beautiful location and close to Victor Harbour amenities.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Peter M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Peter paul and Mary!!!
Sue and John wonderful hosts and lovely people Mary and i loved the location and property
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Glenda C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Antique fresh and quiet
Lovely and quiet, great unwind
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

James R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Time machine
Forget your bland, beige hotel rooms and step back in time to the 1830s in this charming, quirky retreat. Such warm and generous hosts, who happily share the rich history of their house, along with great tips to enjoy the here and now. Perfect location to unwind. If you want something unique, you've found the right place.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jacqui E.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Historic stay
A wonderful 3 day weekend in the historic whalers inn. Sue and John are most fabulous hosts. Everything you could need was thought of, cute cottage, warm inviting fire and a bottle of red .. what more do you need in winter.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Jessica W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beach front perfection
Beautifully presented historic property, hosted by the lovely Sue. Wouldn't change a thing, (except maybe staying longer!)
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Brian D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Don't hesitate
While this is a beautiful property with an amazing feel and history, its fair to say that the friendly nature and genuine hospitality of Sue and John still managed to outshine the beautiful setting. I would say it is best suited for couples, you can gaze past the open fire, through the window set into thick stone walls and look the sea. Its a seriously charming place. Thank you for letting people sharing it.
Stayed 6 nights in Jan 2022

10/10 Excellent

Lauren R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Cottage charm
Excellent location, well-appointed and full of character and charm! Would love to visit again.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2022

10/10 Excellent

Alison F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Perfect
Beautiful historic home that has been presented with much care and attention to detail. Everything you could need is provided with many lovely extra touches to enhance the stay. Sue and John gave us a warm welcome and communicated well during the booking process. Great location. Would highly recommend!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2020

10/10 Excellent

Meredith P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Relaxing and convenient
We had a lovely relaxing stay with a cafe and resturant within a short walking distance. Lovely historic cottage, I enjoyed reading the books about the history of the area. Cottage has modern conveniences and facilities. Thanks
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2020

10/10 Excellent

Mark H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Perfect
A peaceful escape in a beautiful historic cottage. Sue made us feel at home within minutes of meeting. We have stayed in a number of cottages over the years and rate this as one of the best.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2019
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

PETER M.

Historical and relaxing
A fantastic location to soak up the history of your surroundings and relax at the lovely Encounter Bay. It is definitely a unique experience that will suit the couple that want to get away from the day to day grind of the modern world. Great to turn back the clock and stay in a 150+ year home, yet have the necessary mod cons at your disposal. Close walk to eateries and cafes and on the door steps of the McLaren Vale wineries.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Vynka G.

Perfect weekend getaway
Yelki by the sea ticked all my boxes plus more. It's a beautiful historic cottage. Peaceful and secluded yet walking distance to amenities. The fully stocked open fire place made this the ultimate destination come winter or summer. Highly recommend for those wanting a romantic stopover whilst exploring the South Australian coast.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Kate O.

Excellent all round!
Stayed on a freezing cold weekend, Sue kept the firewood re-stocked and made sure our weekend was relaxing. The house has been restored so well, retaining it's history, but still modern and very clean. Will definitely stay again
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Anita H.

Tranquil Cottage
We stayed at Yelki for a week, what a lovely property, we couldn't have asked for a better place to stay. John and Sue made us very welcome.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Lesley M.

Great cottage right by the beach
Yelki is a very comfortable cottage across from the beach. It was great to go for a walk along the bike path before breakfast and watch the sunrise. The cottage had everything we needed. It was cosy and is tucked away a little which was nice. Highly recommended.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Edwina C.

Delightful stay!
Three of us stayed for two nights in February 2014. Lovely stay! Comfortable, atmospheric, great location. Plenty to do. We walked along the bay and up to the glorious headland. Went for lovely drives. Lunched at the McLarenvale wineries. There are cafés and restaurants close by. We had the breakfast package which was super. Hosts were charming and friendly but unobtrusive. Definitely hope to return.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

We had a wonderful & very relaxing stay. Great hosts lovely house and great local cafe. We would rec
We had a wonderful & very relaxing stay. Great hosts lovely house and great local cafe. We would recommend Yilki by the Sea to anyone.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Lovely accommodation, atmosphere and hosts. They had thought of everything to make us comfortable an
Lovely accommodation, atmosphere and hosts. They had thought of everything to make us comfortable and enjoy our stay.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

ANNE G.

A lovely experience
A well equipped, very comfortable cottage, steeped in history with lots of character and atmosphere. Brilliant position looking over Encounter Bay and close to cafes, shops, restaurants, bike and walking tracks and of course beach. Hosts were very friendly and hospitable. Would definitely go again.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

The cottage was charming and full of history but with the best of modern creature comforts. The owne
The cottage was charming and full of history but with the best of modern creature comforts. The owners were very friendly and great to have a chat with.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

the property was very clean and the owner was helpful and friendly without intruding on our privacy.
the property was very clean and the owner was helpful and friendly without intruding on our privacy. Spectacular view
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

8/10 Good

Great place to stay:) amazing view and tastefully decorated.
Great place to stay:) amazing view and tastefully decorated.

About the host

Hosted by Sue Brewster-Jones

Host profile image
I enjoy enabling people to experience staying in such a unique historical property and sharing the history and magic of this very special and beautiful place.

Why they chose this property

The property has been in the family since 1894 making us the fourth generation here. We have a deep love for Yelki and the beautiful area it's located in, so after many years in Sydney decided to move back to South Australia and the Fleurieu Peninsula.

Yelki, was originally built in the 1830s by Cornish whalers and sealers that came over from Kangaroo Island. It began its life as an Inn for whalers and travelers and was among the first properties to be built south of Adelaide.

It has an amazing history that people can feel when staying. We have taken great care to ensure this sense of history has not been lost in any work done to offer some more modern comforts.

What makes this property unique

Where to start: unique property, important heritage, absolutely brimming with character and history, thick stone walls, beachfront, lovely open fire, very special views to Wright Island and the bluff, nature at the doorstep, bird song, charming gardens, the ever changing colours of sunsets and sunrises, offers enchantment and tranquillity.

Languages:

English
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