Baillie Lodges’ reimagined The Louise has opened in the Barossa Valley following a $3 million makeover. Visitors staying at the property, or dining at The Louise’s restaurants – award-winning Appellation and the new Contour (formerly three75) – will appreciate a stylish and contemporary look and feel in line with the Baillie Lodges character.
Designs by South Australia-based architect Max Pritchard include sweeping curved walls which cleverly open up the main lodge and draw the eye to the tableau of rolling hills, criss-crossed with old-growth vineyards and a patchwork of small farms that characterise the Barossa landscape. Artworks commissioned from South Australian artists Emma Hack, Janelle Amos and Renee de Saxe provide a warm welcome and a real sense of the place.
In keeping with The Louise’s preference for working with suppliers from the close-knit community, the works have been completed by small local trades companies, Barossa family company Bartsch Builders and Gawler Custom Joinery. American oak features in the joinery, referencing the oak used in wine barrels that are symbolic of the Barossa.
Inside, drinks and dining take centre stage in the culinary luxury lodge.
Baillie Lodges has welcomed Executive Chef Asher Blackford to the helm in the kitchen, fresh from a stint at sister property Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge on Vancouver Island and formerly from flagship property Southern Ocean Lodge on Kangaroo Island. Asher brings with him an approach to food that’s inspired by the sights, sounds and feels of the landscape and showcases the diverse, seasonal harvest of fresh local produce grown by the Barossa’s community of farmers and growers.
A revitalised dining experience acts as a stage for theatre and storytelling, with Appellation now featuring large windows to make the most of vineyard views and private dining nooks. Guests will enjoy a five-course degustation with matched wines; an experience delivered in the stories of the culinary hosts.
Contour features intimate booths, a counter seat bar, a menu of favourites and a long list of wines, local brews and cocktails.
For guests, The Louise’s fifteen suites have also 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 vineyard views, the suites have been renamed as Stonewell Suites (pictured below) for the standards and Marananga Suites for the premiums, while the two-bedroom Bethany Suite is ideal for families or friends.
Craig Bradbery, Chief Operating Officer of Baillie Lodges said the team was thrilled to be opening its doors once again.
“We’re thrilled to see the results of the intricate planning and investment in this iconic property and we’re so excited to embark on the delivery of a new experience of the Barossa for our guests with The Louise as luxury base,” Bradbery said.
“Much more than ‘just wine’, there’s so much to see and do, and people to meet in the Barossa, and we’re delighted to be welcoming new guests as well as old friends to experience this special place,” he said.
See baillielodges.com.au/lodge/the-louise/
Image credit: Stepney Studios