Just south of Adelaide’s CBD, nestled on a leafy street lined with charming character homes and picket fences, stands Cottage Homes Parkside – a community that has quietly offered comfort, connection and care to South Australian age pensioners for more than 85 years.
Parkside joined the Cottage Homes family in 1939, when funds from the late Sir Joseph and Lady Verco made possible the purchase of land on Alfred Street and the construction of three original cottages known as The Verco Homes. In 1951, thanks to a generous donation by Mrs D. Mortlock in memory of her husband John Tennant Mortlock, an additional wing of three cottages was built, officially opened by Mrs Mortlock herself in May 1953.
The mid-1950s saw further growth through legacies and donations from several generous South Australians, including Ida T. Symonds, Ethyl Lloyd and C. E. Gebhardt. Another gift from Mrs Mortlock enabled the construction of three more homes – The Dorothy Mortlock Homes – completing the small, peaceful cluster of ten cottages that continue to serve residents today.
Across Cottage Homes’ history, foundation stones and plaques have been used to honour the donors and volunteers whose generosity built these communities. At Parkside, plaques commemorate the Verco and Mortlock families, whose kindness and vision created lasting homes for generations of South Australians
Today, Parkside features 10 ground-level, red-brick, one-bedroom cottages, each with a comfortable living area, kitchen and bathroom. The site is within walking distance of Glen Osmond Road shops and public transport, combining independence with convenience.
Set amid manicured lawns, established trees and colourful gardens, Parkside is a tranquil, green oasis in the heart of a busy suburb. Residents take great pride in maintaining their surroundings, with many tending their own gardens alongside shared spaces such as the community vegetable patch and central pergola courtyard – popular gathering spots for neighbours to chat, garden or share a cup of tea.
Resident Emilie, who has called Parkside home for almost 30 years, fills her garden with perennials, herbs and even potatoes, trading produce with her daughter for fresh eggs. “My garden gives me peace,” she says. “I enjoy it – and it’s nice to live with others so you have someone to talk to.”
For Elizabeth, who moved to Parkside in 2006 after a lifetime on a Millicent farm, gardening has always been a passion. Her space overflows with native plants, inspired by her late husband Neville Bonney, a renowned South Australian plant expert and author. “It’s quiet, secure and has a garden – all of those things are here,” Elizabeth shares. “Don’t underestimate the value of Cottage Homes. I’m very happy to be here.”
Parkside is the chosen destination for one of our dedicated Volunteer Visitors, Phil Hough, who brings warmth, humour and genuine connection to his regular social visits. A self-described “people person,” Phil began volunteering in 2021 after a 40-year career, joining the Cottage Homes Board the following year. His visits not only ease isolation but also provide valuable insights to the Board and property management team, helping ensure residents feel heard, supported and cared for. “I get more from the visits than the residents do,” Phil admits with a smile.
Did you know each Cottage Homes location has its own branding colour and unique picket-fence pattern as a nod to the individuality and pride that defines each community? Parkside’s signage features a warm, earthy peach tone paired with a distinctive pointed-fence design. Next time you visit, keep an eye out for the different colours and fence patterns across our sites – what will you discover?
With its blend of rich history, natural beauty and community spirit, Cottage Homes Parkside remains a welcoming haven for older South Australians – a place where residents can live independently and stay connected.
