Tucked away in the sleepy town of Whyte Yarcowie, South Australia, this charming country home is turning heads for one very unexpected reason.
Surprisingly, it’s not the rustic wood-burning stove, exposed brick interiors or the vine-covered backyard pergola, but something far more haunting.
The former 1897 police station, now a private residence, has just hit the market for $175,000 – a steal in comparison to what you can buy in major cities.
And while it may look like your typical heritage property from the outside, a peek inside the storage room reveals something far from ordinary – actual jail cells.
Two of the original holding cells from its days as the town’s cop shop still exist, and have now been repurposed as quirky storage areas with a surprisingly homey twist.
One of the cells, located just off the main bedroom, has been reimagined as a walk-in wardrobe, but could also make for an offbeat wine cellar, meditation space, or ‘creative nook’ according to the property’s real estate listing.
But the jail cells aren’t the only unusual feature of this historic home, which is located on 22 Main Road, Whyte Yarcowie.
Built from classic local bluestone and steeped in character, the home spans three generous bedrooms, with the main room boasting an ensuite and direct access to one of the infamous cells.
Tucked away in the sleepy town of Whyte Yarcowie, South Australia , this charming country home, and former 1897 police station, is turning heads for one very unexpected reason
Two of the original holding cells from its days as the town’s cop shop still exist (pictured), and have now been repurposed as quirky storage areas
The kitchen blends old-school country charm including an original cast iron wood stove.
The listing also details a sunken lounge with a combustion fireplace and reverse cycle air conditioning and a second bathroom with a bathtub and integrated laundry.
Outside there are two repurposed stables now transformed into hobby rooms or workshops and a unique entertaining area in the garden where the original cell door still stands proudly ‘on display’.
Set on a 1,956sqm block, the property is also packed with practical features like a bore water connection, a large rainwater tank, underground storage, and rear access for vehicles or potential extensions.
Inside, you’ll find high ceilings, polished timber finishes and the kind of rustic, lived-in charm that looks like it’s been stuck in a 1970s time warp.
Whyte Yarcowie itself is a heritage-rich rural township founded in the late 1800s, and sits roughly midway between Adelaide and Peterborough, just off the famous Barrier Highway.
It was once a thriving rural centre during the railway boom and still carries echoes of that era with historic buildings, wide open spaces, and country hospitality that feels like a step back in time.
It’s also less than an hour’s drive to the Clare Valley wine region, making it ideal for day trips, winery weekends or lazy Sunday lunches.
With décor like it’s been stuck in a 1970’s time warp, the kitchen blends old-school country charm including an original cast iron wood stove
Outside there are two repurposed stables now transformed into hobby rooms or workshops and a unique entertaining area in the garden, where the original cell door still stands proudly ‘on display’
Whether a history buff, a DIY renovator, or someone searching for the perfect Airbnb property, this former police station certainly delivers something no cookie-cutter suburban home can.
With its unusual blend of colonial architecture, quirky jailhouse charm, and modern creature comforts, it’s certainly a conversation starter.
It’s not every day you can say your wardrobe used to house criminals.
