Historic Riverland butter factory churns out new life

Local fruit growers and longtime Riverland residents Ian and Jenny Schober have listed their 7 Macdonald Rd, Monash home through Ray White Riverland’s Greg Cram and Patrick Larkin in an expressions of interest campaign.

Built in the early 20th century and known locally as the ‘Old Butter Factory’, the property has served many purposes but is now a beautifully restored residential home.

According to the Berri Barmera Council, the butter factory, located about 2km from Barmera on the Sturt Highway to Monash, was established by the Irrigation Commission over 100 years ago.

The building has served various purposes over the years, including being use by local farmers, soldiers, sporting clubs, limestone production, and as a shearing shed. In 1920, lime kilns were installed, and at its peak, about 600 men were employed there, many living on-site.

During the early 1920s, the Soldier Settler’s Co-operative Scheme operated its office and sporting teams’ headquarters from the factory. By 1939, the building had become a shearing shed, and the butter factory project was abandoned, with the building never having processed any milk or producing butter.

Kadina-born music legend Dean “Rocky” Page later purchased the property with his wife Viv, converting it into a residential home.

By 1939, the building had become a shearing shed, and the butter factory project was abandoned, never having processed any milk or producing butter.

The Schobers acquired the property in March 1998 with a clear vision - to transform the purpose-built butter factory into an executive home and boutique BnB.

“Before renovations could commence, all the old outbuildings attached to the stone section had to be removed – so that’s where the renovating began,” Ian Schober said.

“It was practically stripped bare, leaving only the stone walls, the roof rafters, and all its charm. We wanted to restore the character of the beautiful old stone building to its former glory.

“We finished so it’s time to move on. While we've really enjoyed the experience of renovating, we'd like to see someone else live the dream. We're looking for something smaller and are excited about retirement.”

The couple’s favourite feature of the home is the grand facade, which becomes increasingly striking as they approach via the driveway.

“As you get closer to the property, you can see up close the craftsmanship of the stonework. It's a level of artistry that will never be repeated. It is such a special place,” Jenny Schober said.

“Throughout the years, we’ve built strong connections to this property, and it holds a very special place in our lives. Everyone who walks through the door says, ‘wow.’ They just don’t build houses like this anymore.

“It’s a beautiful old building with lots of character, but we’ve incorporated all the modern conveniences. It’s so close to Barmera but still offers the luxury of rural living. There is nothing lacking at the property at all.”