Period gems steeped in history and set in a little South Australian rural township have caught the eye of buyers from across Australia.

Nestled in Mintaro, about 126km north of Adelaide in the Clare Valley, the one-bedroom home at 22 Young Street and the original butcher shop at 63 Burra Street was built in the mid-1800s.

Both heritage-listed properties have drawn nationwide interest since they hit the market, according to Barry Plant Norwood director Elesa Wood.

“The quaint property at Young Street has already attracted more than 100 enquiries and 5000 hits on the internet,” she said.

Circa 1856, the period treasure on a 1800sq m block displays character and charm with its original chapel windows, vaulted ceilings, stone-stacked walls and open fireplaces.

Complete with a large bedroom, bathroom, living area and kitchen, it is set in award-winning gardens with beautiful trees and areas to sit and contemplate.

In the 1800s, the property was a church and residence, once home to local teacher James Fry, and recently holiday accommodation, according to Ms Wood.

“It’s the perfect set-up for a bed and breakfast venture,” she said.

“An immediate money earner, it’s ready to go and ideal as a romantic holiday getaway for a couple.”

Anyone in search of the simple things and a quieter existence will also find the property makes a suitable home, Ms Wood added.

The property at 63 Burra Street, is a unique corner allotment in the heart of town across from the famous Magpie and Stump Hotel.

Built in 1856 as a butcher shop for Thomas Cox, it was run by the Pulford family from 1901 to 1951, and until recently it was an antique shop and residence, according to Ms Wood.

She added that the Australian poet and journalist C.J. Dennis, known for his best-selling verse novel, The Songs of a Sentimental Bloke, may have also lived at the property.

With a wide frontage onto the main street, the building is a historic relic which displays local slate and stonework, multi-paned windows, metal ceilings and low-hanging industrial light fittings in the main room.

There are two more rooms, including one with a fireplace, a cellar, a basic kitchen and bathroom, plus two toilets.

“It needs a bit of work and could be a project for a retiree or downsizer,” Ms Wood said.

“The buyer with imagination could convert it into a retreat, home, studio or gallery.”

Both properties are for sale by a set date, closing on May 30 at 5 pm, unless sold prior.

A small heritage-listed town established in 1849, Mintaro has some of the most significant and captivating historical buildings and ruins in the state.

Originally a stop for bullock teams carting copper from the Burra mine to Port Wakefield, it later became the centre of an internationally famous slate quarry.

Located near Mintaro is the Georgian-style mansion named Martindale Hall, which appeared in the film Picnic At Hanging Rock, according to Ms Wood.

Regarded as one of the region’s most captivating and picturesque destinations, Mintaro also offers magnificent walking trails and easy access to the Clare Valley’s world-class wineries, art galleries, eateries and boutique accommodation.

“The Clare Valley is now rivalling the Barossa as it’s fast becoming South Australia’s premier tourist destination,” she said.