Throughout December, Martindale Hall came alive with the quiet elegance of high tea. Guests travelled from across South Australia to gather in the grand dining room and drawing rooms. There was fine food, exceptional tea, and a shared experience in one of the state’s most remarkable historic estates.
Tables were set with fine bone china and a generous spread of savoury and sweet dishes, nostalgic in spirit and beautifully presented. A curated selection of fine teas was served and guided by the SOCIATEA Master of Tea, with The Merry Wolf black teas proving especially popular among guests. Rich, full bodied and deeply satisfying, these blends became a highlight of the afternoon and a talking point long after the last cup was poured.
Conversation flowed easily as guests lingered at the table, taking time to savour both the food and the setting. For many, it was a chance to slow down, reconnect, and enjoy a style of hospitality that feels increasingly rare.
A Long Tradition of Welcome
This way of gathering is not new to Martindale Hall. For more than a century, the Hall has stood as a symbol of elegance, generosity, and gracious hospitality.
When Edmund Bowman built Martindale Hall, it was never intended as a private retreat from the world. It was designed as a grand country estate to be visited and enjoyed by guests fortunate enough to receive an invitation.
In its early years, the 9,000 acre estate was a lively centre of social life. Guests arrived by train from Adelaide to the Merildin station in Mintaro, where Bowman’s carriages awaited. Days were filled with polo, boating, cricket, and long walks across the grounds. Evenings brought people together for fine dining, music, and relaxed conversation that often stretched late into the night.
When the Mortlock family later took stewardship of the Hall, that spirit of hospitality continued. Their guest books tell stories of frequent house parties, luncheons, and dinners, each marked by warmth and generosity. In later years, the Mortlocks opened the lawns to the local community, welcoming neighbours to gather for tea and homemade bakes under the summer sky.
Continuing the Story
The December high teas were a natural continuation of this legacy. They reflected what Martindale Hall has always done best. Bringing people together around a shared table in a setting designed for lingering.
As we look ahead, plans are already underway for our next series of high teas. Each will offer guests the chance to experience the Hall as it was always intended to be enjoyed. With time, care, and a sense of occasion.
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