Historic beachfront cottage, Encounter Bay

Photo gallery for Historic beachfront cottage, Encounter Bay

A stone building with a covered porch, a stone fireplace, and a view of a hill.
A cozy living room with a patterned armchair, a round coffee table, a bookshelf, and a fireplace.
Two people sitting at a round glass table with a book and a small potted plant.
A stone wall with a potted plant of purple flowers.
A house with a stone facade, a covered porch, and a lawn.

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional

Highlights

  • On the beach
    A rare beachfront property in the area - enjoy direct access to the sand and sea.
  • Centrally-located
    You're never far from where you need to be with this convenient location.
  • Discover nearby landmarks
    Near Encounter Bay
2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 4

Popular amenities

  • On beach
  • Onsite parking available
  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Barbecue
  • Garden

Explore the area

View map
Encounter Bay, SA
  • Place, Encounter Bay
    ‪2 min walk‬
  • Place, Kent Reserve
    ‪17 min walk‬
  • Place, The Bluff
    ‪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

Historic beachfront cottage, Encounter Bay

Step into one of South Australia’s most unique stays. Yelki by the Sea is a beautifully restored 1830s beachfront cottage in Encounter Bay, near Victor Harbor on the Fleurieu Peninsula.

With uninterrupted ocean views and direct access to the coastal walking trail, this heritage stone cottage offers a rare blend of history, character, and modern comfort — perfect for a romantic getaway or peaceful escape.

Wake to the sound of the ocean and watch the light change across the bay from your doorstep.

Inside, cosy armchairs, wooden floors, rugs, and a fireplace create a welcoming atmosphere — perfect for relaxing with a book or simply taking in the ocean views.

Step outside to the veranda or sit beneath the pepper tree with a glass of wine, enjoying uninterrupted views across to Wright Island and the Bluff.

The cottage features a well-equipped kitchen, a light-filled breakfast room overlooking the garden, two comfortable bedrooms, and a modern bathroom. Quality linen, bathrobes, and thoughtful touches are provided to ensure a restful and memorable stay.

Just steps from the beach and coastal walking trails, you can explore the Heysen Trail, cycle into Victor Harbor, or simply enjoy the peaceful surroundings of Encounter Bay.

Ideal for couples seeking a peaceful, romantic escape by the sea.

Yelki by the Sea is not suitable for children.

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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

Property # 9108547
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
Host has indicated that there are no carbon monoxide detectors or gas appliances on the property
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
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room

About the area

Encounter Bay

Located in Encounter Bay, this cottage is on the beach. Kent Reserve and West Island Conservation Park reflect the area's natural beauty and area attractions include West Island Encounter Bay Aquatic Reserve and Urimbirra Wildlife Park. Discover the area's water adventures with jet skiing and kayaking nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with ecotours and mountain biking.
Map
Encounter Bay, SA

What's nearby

  • Encounter Bay - 2 min walk - 0.2 km
  • Kent Reserve - 17 min walk - 1.4 km
  • beach near Wright Island - 3 min drive - 1.9 km
  • The Bluff - 5 min drive - 2.6 km
  • Victor Harbor Heritage Trail: Petrel Cove Trailhead - 5 min drive - 2.6 km

Getting around

  • Victor Harbor Station - 6 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Port Elliot Bakery - ‬11 min drive
  • ‪JF & C - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Caffe Primo - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Lost Phoenix Farm - ‬11 min drive
  • ‪Cockles Cafe - ‬11 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Historic beachfront cottage, Encounter Bay pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much does it cost to stay at Historic beachfront cottage, Encounter Bay?

As of 23 Aug 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Historic beachfront cottage, Encounter Bay on 17 Sept 2026 start from AU$576, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

How much is parking at Historic beachfront cottage, Encounter Bay?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Historic beachfront cottage, Encounter Bay?

Check-in begins at 2:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Historic beachfront cottage, Encounter Bay?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Historic beachfront cottage, Encounter Bay 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).

About the host

Hosted by Sue Brewster-Jones

Host profile image
For me, hosting is about giving people the chance to experience a place with real history and soul.

I love welcoming guests into this unique heritage property and sharing the stories, atmosphere and quiet magic that make it so special. Creating a stay where people can feel that connection — to the past, to the landscape, and to a slower way of being — is genuinely rewarding.

Why they chose this property

I chose this area because Yelki has been in the family since 1894, making us the fourth generation to care for it. After many years living in Sydney, we felt a deep pull to return to South Australia and the Fleurieu Peninsula — a place we’ve always loved for its beauty, history and sense of calm.

Yelki itself began life in the 1830s, built by Cornish whalers and sealers from Kangaroo Island, and later served as an inn for whalers and travellers.

It was one of the very first properties built south of Adelaide, and that history is still tangible in the walls. We’ve taken great care to preserve this character while adding the comforts guests appreciate today, so people can truly feel the story and spirit of the place when they stay.

What makes this property unique

What makes Yelki unique is the way history, nature and atmosphere come together in one place.

The cottage is a rare early stone building, full of character, thick walls and stories that have settled into it over nearly two centuries.

It sits right on the beachfront with uninterrupted views to Wright Island and The Bluff, surrounded by bird song, charming gardens and the ever‑changing colours of sunrise and sunset.

Guests often describe a feeling of enchantment and tranquillity here — a sense that the past is still present yet balanced with the gentle modern comforts we’ve added with great care. It’s a place that simply feels different, and people notice it the moment they arrive.

Languages:

English
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