our story

MARYBANK ESTATE

At Marybank, we're not far – just a short 15-minute drive from Adelaide's heart. Tucked on a scenic hillside, our estate is a hidden oasis offering panoramic views of the captivating Adelaide skyline, right next to the Blackhill Conservation Park for that perfect touch of tranquility.

We love opening up our doors exclusively for private weddings, special events, and select garden open days, creating a unique and privileged space for your memorable moments. Our place has a storied past, a nod to simpler times and deep connections to South Australia's early days. As the Fox family, custodians for six generations, we've taken great care to preserve Marybank's legacy, making it a spot that oozes romanticism and encourages everyone to take a step back.

Contrary to grandiosity, Marybank embraces simplicity, embodying the true essence of Australia. Our allure lies in unassuming charm and tranquility, offering a serene escape from the daily hustle. We are on an ongoing adventure, ensuring Marybank stands as a cherished and impeccably preserved historical landmark for generations to come.

Meet Billy & Brie

Meet Billy and Brie, the sixth-generation caretakers of Marybank Estate. They started their journey in 2003 by getting married in the beautiful gardens of Marybank. They are dedicated to preserving the legacy of this family estate.

After their wedding, Billy and Brie started a food journey in the Clare Valley. They opened a Mediterranean restaurant and a lolly shop while raising their two children. But they couldn't resist the pull of Marybank and returned to be with family.

Since 2003, they have been hosting weddings and have discovered a passion for events and a strong connection to farm life that matches the traditions of those who came before them. Brie takes care of the gardens and manages everything from working with couples to running the Barn Loft.

Billy, a self-taught chef, started cooking for the elderly and lstudying nutrition at TAFE. He has managed cafes in Adelaide and ran his own restaurant, Citadel Casual Dining. Then, he worked with Tim Adams to start Mr Micks Kitchen in the Clare Valley before returning to Adelaide to cook for many Marybank weddings and events. Now, he helps manage the vineyard with his father-in-law.

And let's not forget Brie, the heart and soul behind Marybank Estate. She's the 6th generation custodian, a dreamer at heart whose hospitality journey began with a Certificate 3 in Hospitality Management. Climbing the ladder from waitress to restaurant management, she met Billy, the Head Chef, and together ventured into managing their own restaurant and later a Lolly shop. For the past decade, Brie has been the driving force behind events and weddings at Marybank, juggling office and event coordination while actively participating in the estate's various facets.

Marybank's acclaim extends far beyond its historic walls, featured in multiple publications and collaborating with renowned brands. Brie's commitment to creating unforgettable experiences is evident in every detail, making her and Billy the passionate custodians leading Marybank into the future while preserving its deep-rooted history.

Read more about our history here…

a friendly home.

the SIMPLE CHARM OF YESTERDAY

"Old houses trying to look like new; and new houses trying to look like old ones.

Tudor, Georgian, Dutch, Spanish and the rest.

One finds them in all sizes, kinds and fashions, and some a real joy with their adaptions of beauty from all through the ages and all over the world.

But just now and then, is it not a joy to find a home, not large and quite simple that is frankly and calmly Australian.

A place that has managed to ‘carry on’, and like some of the most lovable people, to remain ‘just itself’.

Such a home is ‘Marybank’, the residence of Major and Mrs A.G Fox which stands upon the foothills of the Mount Lofty Range and seven miles from Adelaide.

Perhaps the rather unusual circumstance of remaining in the possession of the same family for three or four generations has helped it to retain the feeling of old time simplicity which links up with the early days of the ‘Province of South Australia’.