Karen Vial Turned a Country Church into One of SA’s Best Short-Stays… now she’s helping others do the same
If there’s one thing Karen Vial knows, it’s how to turn properties into places people love to stay. And not just stay — but rave about, revisit, and recommend to their mates.
These days, she’s teaching others how to do just that. But before she was running workshops, she transformed a century-old place of worship into what’s now one of SA’s most unique stays – The Church Guest Home in Willaston.
This place is an actual church. Out with the pews, in with the plush beds. Holy water swapped for complimentary wine. It’s part sanctuary, part staycation, and it’s just taken home Bronze in the 2024 South Australian Tourism Awards for self-contained accommodation.
What started as a getaway for family and friends has become one of the most talked-about stays at the gateway to the Barossa. There’s three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a crackling wood fire, a full kitchen, a sun-drenched deck, and just enough stained-glass charm to remind you this used to be a house of prayer.
And the best bit? Karen’s now helping other South Aussies bring their own accommodation dreams to life — whether it’s turning a family shack into a guest haven or finally giving that old shearing shed a glow-up.
She’s the tutor behind WEA’s (Workers’ Educational Association) Create and Manage a B&B or Guest Home course, sharing her hard-earned knowledge from years of experience in real estate, hospitality, and country living. She’s taught with WEA since 2023 and holds a Diploma in Property, a Certificate IV in Real Estate Sales, and another in Training and Assessment — which basically means she knows her stuff.
“I love helping people take that next step — whether they’re just dreaming or already halfway through a reno,” Karen says.
“The Church has opened so many doors for me and my family. Now I get to help others open theirs.”
WEA CEO Lesley Venning agrees. “Karen’s story is inspiring,” she says. “The Church isn’t just a beautiful place to stay — it’s living proof of what’s possible when passion meets property.”
The unique property is open for bookings year-round, and is just a hop from the Barossa and the Clare Valley and an hour north of Adelaide. It’s the perfect base for exploring cellar doors, farmers markets, pubs and the beauty of SA’s wine regions.
