Work is underway on Baillie Lodges’ redesign of acclaimed luxury lodge The Louise in South Australia’s Barossa Valley culinary country, with the reopening of the new-look property slated for 5 September, just in time for spring.
As revealed exclusively by LATTE in February, the Luxury Lodges of Australia property has temporarily closed over winter for a large scale refurbishment.
The $3 million ‘glamover’ will deliver a new experience of the Barossa for local and overseas guests, starting with generous villa-style suites opening to the valley’s picturesque rolling vineyards, and extending to a revitalised dining and drinks scene and access to personalised tours of the region’s gourmet and cultural attractions, all in keeping with the now-renowned Baillie’s style of luxury lodging.
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The character of The Louise will remain largely the same on the outside, with lines following the relaxed luxury of a southern European villa set comfortably into the landscape, crisscrossed with vineyards and within easy reach of some of the world’s most revered wineries.
Inside, plans by South Australia-based architect Max Prichard are already coming to life. The main lodge interiors have been transformed to include sweeping curved walls, clean lines and a more contemporary look and feel. The entrance has been expanded to offer a warm welcome with artworks commissioned by local artists Emma Hack and Janelle Amos setting a real sense of the place and its people.
Fifteen suites have seen a significant refurbishment, with contemporary furnishings, king beds, luxury ensuite bathroom and plenty of space to feel at home. Generous in size and boasting private courtyards and French doors opening onto vineyards, the suites have been categorised as Stonewell Suites (ten) for the standards and Marananga Suites (five) for the premiums, named for the hamlets on either side of The Louise.
Drinks and dining take centre stage in the main lodge. The award-winning Appellation restaurant features over-sized windows making the most of vineyard views while the interiors are more opulent – fitting for the luxurious degustation menus and premium local produce – with local artworks and stylish new private dining nooks ensuring every meal is a celebration.
A walk-in wine cellar will offer a world-class collection of fine and rare wines, while private dining rooms make a special occasion with loved ones and a secret lounging den takes on a speak-easy vibe late at night.
The Three75 bar and kitchen will rebrand as Contour, and will feature intimate booths, a counter seat bar and a long list of wines, local brews and small-batch distilled cocktails.
The Baillie Lodges brand of generously inclusive rates makes a stay at The Louise even more relaxing with its easy, ‘at home’ feel. Guests can enjoy a fortifying breakfast before heading out to explore the Barossa’s food, wine and arts scene, then return home for pre-dinner drinks and canapés, dinner in Appellation and snacks from a daily-replenished in-suite bar.
Kylie Mansfield, General Manager of The Louise said the team was looking forward to a new look and feel at the property and to welcoming guests back to the Barossa from spring.
“We’re thrilled to see the renovations making timely changes for The Louise, while the best things about a stay with us remain the same: a chance to visit for a winey weekend or simply to call in for a brilliant meal, a glass of fine wine or a cheeky cocktail all with views across the rolling vineyards,” Mansfield said.
“For the team at The Louise, we’ll continue to do what we love most: sharing the best of the region’s harvest with our guests and arranging a backstage pass to the grand theatre of fine food, wine and hospitality that is the Barossa Valley,” she added.
Baillie Lodges acquired The Louise in July last year and took over its operation in September.
Photo credit: Julian Kingma