Historic homestead ravaged by bushfires to be reborn as luxurious hotel and spa

Plans for a lavish high-end hotel and spa at a historic homestead in the Margaret River region, which suffered partial destruction due to bushfires in 2011, have been given the green light.

The Regional Development Assessment Panel recently approved the ambitious project, marking a significant milestone in the revival of this iconic site.

GALLERY  

The proposed development, spearheaded by the Landsmith Collection in collaboration with MJA Architects, will breathe new life into the once-damaged property. The 25-key hotel will comprise 18 rooms and seven chalets, offering a range of accommodations from 46 to 216 square meters. Additionally, the establishment will boast a restaurant and bar capable of seating 62 guests, as well as spa treatment rooms and a sprawling 42,800 square meters of landscaped gardens.

The focal point of the hotel’s design will include a croquet lawn and a “wellness pool,” promising a blend of luxury and leisure for visitors. Situated just 7 kilometres from the Margaret River Town Centre, the site holds historical significance as the location of Wallcliffe House, originally constructed in 1865 for the pioneering Bussell family, the area’s first European settlers.

Over the years, the property has seen various transformations, from an old dairy turned restaurant to a guesthouse attached to Wallcliffe House. A subsequent residence built in 2001 met a tragic fate during the 2011 bushfires, along with several other structures on the estate.

The Landsmith Collection, known for its ownership of prestigious properties like Voyager Estate vineyard and Bullo River Station in the Northern Territory, aims to capitalize on Western Australia’s booming tourism industry. With visitor numbers and spending on the rise, particularly in regions like the South West, including Margaret River, the timing for this venture appears opportune.

Statistics from the Tourism & Transport Forum underscore the region’s popularity, with visitation levels surpassing pre-pandemic figures by nearly 16%. This resurgence in tourism bodes well for the success of the forthcoming hotel and spa, promising a rejuvenated experience for travellers seeking luxury amidst historic charm in the heart of Margaret River.

Images via The Urban Developer

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