Historic Kangaroo Island home that hosted Australia's rich and famous hits market for $5m+

It’s one of Australia’s most iconic beach houses, beloved by artists, the literati and celebrities throughout the generations. And now, for the first time in 101 years, it’s finally come up for sale – with a pedigree that can barely be matched.

“This place of joy, a real Eden with real people,” wrote famed painter Arthur Boyd in the visitors’ book after a series of stays there. “The most wonderful barefoot lifestyle to be had anywhere,” opined writer David Malouf.

Art critic, documentary-maker and writer Robert Hughes, author of The Fatal Shore, was similarly enamoured. When it came time to leave, he put pen to paper, “To leave this paradise shore, O Jesus, what a Fatal Bore”.

Rocky Point, high on the cliffs above seven kilometres of deserted white beach on South Australia’s Kangaroo Island, was built 110 years ago in local limestone by Supreme Court judge Sir John Gordon and bought by the wealthy pastoralist Dutton family in 1918.

After five generations of family ownership, and countless vice-regal parties and stays by judges, lawyers, artists, poets, authors and internationally renowned figures like Princess Diana’s father Earl Spencer, Barry Humphries, Patrick White, Sir Russell Drysdale and John Olsen, the six-bedroom home has been put up for sale.

“We say goodbye with a heavy heart,” says Hamish Matheson, whose mother is a Dutton. “But it’s a house of life and it’s important that the next generation of people take on the joy this place offers.

“Its history is important, and it’s in such a peerless location. The house feels as though it’s sitting out in the sea with panoramic 180-degree views of the bay where you can see fish swimming, stingrays and dolphins, amazing birdlife, and it really has one of the best seats in Mother Nature’s house.”

Rocky Point, for sale via expressions of interest over $5 million, covers more than 5.2 hectares of land from the dunes right down to the high-water mark, with 365 metres of beach and clifftop frontage.

President of the Real Estate Institute of South Australia Brett Roenfeldt says the beauty of the house lies in its position. “It’s the kind of irreplaceable site that money these days can’t buy with amazing sea views and access to the beach,” he says. “It’s an idyllic retreat that’s extremely rare and I think there’ll be a phenomenal amount of interest in it.”

Penny Riggs, director of the house’s sales agents Klemich Real Estate, says she’s anticipating potential buyers from Sydney, Melbourne and South Australia, as well as expats and overseas purchasers. “Everyone has always admired this property,” she says.

“International guests love the Southern Ocean Lodge on Kangaroo Island but that’s south-facing and the weather can be wild and woolly. This house is a north coast property, and north-facing, so it’s warmer with calmer weather.”

Other South Australian real estate agents are among its fans. Michael Barrett of Century 21 on Kangaroo Island says it’s very well known.

“It’s one of the most iconic properties in South Australia and probably Australia,” he says. “It’s in a beautiful location and hasn’t been available for over 100 years, which makes it even more desirable.”