A Haunting at Grange House - Magill

A Haunting at Grange House - Magill

Nestled within the Penfolds Magill Estate, Grange House was built in 1845 by Dr Christopher and Mary Penfold shortly after they arrived in South Australia from England. The couple emigrated with their young daughter and purchased 500 acres at what was then known as Mackgill. 

On this land they built a modest stone cottage and named it Grange after Mary’s hometown — a name that would later become synonymous with Penfolds’ most celebrated wine.

Christopher Penfold’s health declined in 1870, and he died at the age of 59, leaving Mary to take full control of the winery. She proved more than capable, guiding the business with skill and determination. Mary retired from winemaking in 1884 at the age of 68 but continued to live at Grange House until her death in 1896, aged 80.

Ghosts:

In the 1980s, staff at Magill Estate began reporting unusual occurrences. A woman’s voice was heard echoing across the vineyards, though no one could find its source. Inside Grange House, a teacup engraved with Mary Penfold’s initials was said to move freely around the cottage, appearing in different places without explanation. These incidents led many to believe that Mary had returned to the home she loved so dearly.

  In 2011, Grange House again made local news when alarm sensors at the winery began activating without cause. Staff reported further unexplained phenomena, reminiscent of the activity witnessed three decades earlier. The pattern raised an intriguing question: had Mary Penfold returned once more?

If so, why? Was she displeased with the sale of Penfolds to international owners? Was she simply revisiting the vineyard she nurtured into greatness? Or is there some other reason lost to time?

Whatever the cause, Mary’s presence — if it is hers — appears gentle and benign. A caretaker spirit, perhaps, watching over the estate that bears her legacy.

© 2014 Allen Tiller
www.Allentillercom.au