PRESENT & FUTURE

From Farm to Property.

STORY BY KATE LE GALLEZ

When I first speak to Olivia Baker and Nathan Trethewey, it's hard to ignore the obvious cliché in the room. And it's not their pet kangaroo, Skippy, who, after being hand-raised now sleeps with the dog in her kennel. Olivia, a concert pianist from Adelaide, and Nathan, a fifth-generation farmer born and raised on Kangaroo Island, are the classic pairing: city woman meets country bloke. But the story they're creating together doesn't follow anyone's script but their own.

Olivia's work as a pianist and in arts and community development had taken her around the world from the United Kingdom and Africa to Arnhem Land. Nathan also lived interstate and overseas including a stint as a ringer in the Kimberley. At 21 he bought his first farm, before he sold up to buy his parents' property a few years ago.

Returning to Eleanor Downs means continuing an important family legacy for Nathan. His grandfather was allocated the land under the World War II soldier settlement scheme. Both his grandfather and father ran stock on the land, but Nathan and Olivia are now exploring what the land can do, not only as a farm but as a communal place.

Alongside continuing the stock business, they're renovating the property's two residences: the original early 1950s soldier settlement cottage where they currently live but will soon offer as holiday accommodation, and the similar-era homestead where they'll live Post-renovation. Add to that a new airstrip which not only allows Nathan to fly his Cessna 182 back to the mainland, but will also welcome fly-in visitors who might glamp in the bell tent near the airstrip or stay in the settlement cottage.

In other ways, Olivia and Nathan are expanding their community through there other ventures, including the Bush Festival which will see them bring Adelaide Fringe acts over to the island.

Read full article in the Summer 2910-2019 edition of www.fleurieuliving.com.au.