We’ve stayed with before, so we knew it would be special, but I had never heard of the South Shores estate in Normanville and honestly, it blew me away. It’s a private, gated coastal community on the Fleurieu Peninsula, and the easiest way to describe it is like a holiday park but elevated in every way. Everything is beautifully designed, calm, and spacious, with all the little touches that make holidaying with kids feel easy instead of stressful.
Villa 19 is in the absolute dream spot. It’s right next to a huge lagoon-style pool, complete with a shallow end for the little ones, and just across from a massive grassy expanse where kids can run, ride scooters, play basketball, swing from trees, and generally disappear for hours. There are picnic tables scattered around, so you can grab a drink or snack and actually sit down while they play, and if that’s not enough, a private boardwalk leads straight to the beach. Honestly, it’s one of those layouts where the kids feel free to roam, but you still have that calm, safe feeling as a parent.
The villa itself looks out over the lake, which is stunning in the morning light and gives the whole place a peaceful vibe. There’s a deck off the downstairs bedroom that’s perfect for a quiet coffee, and upstairs a huge balcony with a proper outdoor dining setup and a BBQ that basically screams weekend feasts and margaritas for the adults. It sleeps up to ten, which works really well for two families or a bigger group without anyone feeling on top of each other.
Inside, the attention to detail is next level. The bunk room was an instant hit, with two double bunks, books, and toys already set up, which makes settling in that much easier. The beds are seriously comfortable, and the linen is so soft you almost don’t want to get out of bed in the morning (as we’ve come to expect from a Sanbis stay). The lighting is warm and gentle, and the lampshades are exactly the kind I’d pick for my own house if I could. Small touches that make the whole place feel effortlessly cosy.
The house is set up for families in a way that actually makes sense. There is plastic dining for kids, a high chair, step stool, portacot, pool towels, sports gear, Netflix, WiFi, and even a popcorn machine, which quickly became the highlight of movie night. The adults aren’t forgotten either, with a proper barista-style coffee machine that made mornings feel a little indulgent. And yes, it is a two-storey house, which means stairs, but there is a safety gate at the top that any parent of little ones will quietly celebrate. The garage as been transformed into a second living space with another TV and fridge making it the perfect hangout for older kids or teens.
Normanville itself is quiet and coastal, with cafes, shops, and a few short drives for exploring the rest of the Fleurieu Peninsula. Ingalalla Falls is only five minutes away, with Second Valley and Rapid Bay also close by. But honestly, once you are at Villa 19, it is hard to want to leave. The pool, the lake, the grassy areas, the private boardwalk to the beach, it all just works so the kids are happy and the parents can breathe.
If I could move in here, I would in a heartbeat. Since that is probably a bit far-fetched, I will happily settle for a Sanbis Villa stay at least once a year.
Location: Villa 19, South Shores, Normanville
For bookings and more information:
Find Sanbis Retreats on and
You might also be interested in
-
Our stay at The Grape Escape was everything a family holiday in McLaren Vale should be, relaxed, picturesque, and perfectly designed for families. Managed by the ever-impressive Sanbis Retreats, this home is made for one or two families looking to spend a few days or a week exploring both McLaren Vale and the wider Fleurieu Peninsula. It’s positioned smack bang on the Shiraz Trail, meaning there’s no traffic, just a peaceful bike path and rows of vines, bordered by tall gum trees, directly outside the kitchen window. Out front, we spent countless hours on the huge deck, lounging under umbrellas with a morning coffee or winding down at happy hour surrounded by nature and vineyard views. Out back, the gated yard felt spacious and secure to let the kids be kids, with what might just be the world’s best pizza oven (a huge Gozney), an outdoor lounge, smart TV, and a generous dining table perfect for all things outdoor entertaining in any weather. What's more, there is a fire pit in the backyard, complete with wood and fire lighters. To top it off the kids were in heaven with their own mini picnic table and cubby house and one last…
-
PYO open 9am-4pm Cafe & Market Hall open 8am-5pm Strawberry season is finally here in South Australia which means it's time to plan your visit to Harvest the Fleurieu in Mount Compass. If you've never visited before, now is the time to make the trip! Their season has just kicked off which means their deliciously sweet strawberries are plentiful and it is the perfect time for picking. Go wild as you fill your punnets to the brim and of course taste a few along the way; an experience you can guarantee the whole family will enjoy in the fresh Mount Compass air. It’s really all in the name – at Harvest The Fleurieu you will find delicious fresh produce grown on their farm as well as from all over the Fleurieu and beyond. It makes the perfect pitstop if you are driving to or from Victor Harbor or you could just head there for no other reason than to grab a coffee & something to eat. Coffee, I hear you say? Yep, that’s right, Harvest The Fleurieu has a fabulous café onsite with everything from coffee, cake, light meals & ice cream made from their own fruit. It is all…
-
Planning a family getaway can be an exciting yet daunting task, especially when you're spoilt for choice in South Australia's diverse landscapes. Here at Kids in 91¹û¶³´«Ã½, we're dedicated to helping parents navigate through the myriad of options to find the perfect holiday destination that caters to every member of the family. From coastal getaways to outback adventures, South Australia offers an array of family-friendly holiday options that cater to every taste and budget. Whether you're seeking relaxation by the beach or excitement in the great outdoors, there's something for everyone to enjoy in South Australia's diverse regions. So pack your bags, gather your loved ones, and embark on a memorable family getaway that will create cherished memories for years to come.
