‘Netherhill’ was one of the earliest settled farming properties in South Australia’s Adelaide Hills.
It was first settled by William and Jane Lillecrapp in 1849, just 13 years after the arrival of Governor John Hindmarsh.
‘Netherhill’ has had only four family ownerships in its 169-year history. The house, which began as a small four-room cottage, expanded in the early 1900s to become the memorable 10-room homestead that stands today.
Established in 1849, ‘Netherhill’ has had only four changes in ownership.
Lillecrapp/Hooper
(1849 – 1898)
William and Jayne Lillecrapp settled ‘Netherhill’ in 1849 and the property stayed in the family for 49 years.
Sandercock
(1898 – 1974)
John and Edie Sandercock moved from ‘Berry Hill’ to ‘Netherhill’ in 1898. They had eight children at the time and another five children were born at ‘Netherhill’. The Sandercock family held the property for 76 years.
Reid
(1974 – 2007)
Doug and Margaret purchased ‘Netherhill’ in 1974 and moved there with five of their six children to continue dairy farming and then later became a large production strawberry farm and tourism. The Reids stayed at ‘Netherhill’ for 33 years.
Cowie
(2007 – present)
Paul and Elena Cowie purchased ‘Netherhill’ and run cattle and sheep and a Bed and Breakfast in the original cottage end of the house, while a tenant farmer grows organic strawberries.