Walter Ventura lodges plans to convert Leonards Mill into tourist accommodation

It’s been home to several top-rated chefs over the years, but now there’s a new vision to transform Leonards Mill from restaurant identity Walter Ventura.

Leonards Mill has remained closed since the beginning of 2022. Picture: Supplied

Prominent Adelaide restaurant identity Walter Ventura is looking to revive the historic Leonards Mill property at Second Valley, with plans to refurbish and convert the site into a new boutique accommodation offering for visitors to the Fleurieu Peninsula.

The award-winning former restaurant and events destination has remained closed since the start of 2022, when it was permanently shut down due to onerous density rules implemented during Covid-19.

The property was later put on the market, with property records showing Mr Ventura paid $880,000 to take over the site at the end of 2022.

The Leonards Mill site on Main South Rd in Second Valley. Picture: supplied.

In a letter accompanying his redevelopment plans lodged with the Yankalilla Council, the Adelaide businessman says the refurbishment would “respect, elevate and hero the history of the site”, which dates back to the mid-1800s.

“The site was offered for lease as a hospitality/restaurant venue over the last 18 months with good leasing incentives, however finding a tenant was unsuccessful,” he says in the letter.

“We hope by converting the site into accommodation it can run successfully, and we can continue to share the story and heritage of Leonards Mill with those visiting the region.”

Mr Ventura’s proposal involves converting the original mill building and a later extension into two apartments, while “The Stable” – a stand-alone building at the rear of the property would be offered as a separate cottage for up to four guests.

Up to 18 guests would be accommodated across the three self-contained offerings.

A pergola added to the side of the mill by the property’s former owner and architect David Grieve would be removed as part of Mr Ventura’s broader redevelopment plans for the property, while upgrades are also planned for the front entry and deck area.

Inside the historic site when it operated as a restaurant. Picture: supplied.

Originally a flour mill when it began operation in 1858, the historic main building was restored and turned into a restaurant in 1984 by Mr Grieve and Christine Maher.

The venue has been home to several top-rated chefs over the years, including former The Cube and Aurora restaurant chef Brendan Wessels, Lindsay Durr, Ben Sommariva, Peter Smit and Matt Fitton.

Husband and wife duo Iain Calvert and Hayley Pember-Calvert, who took over the award-winning food destination in mid-2017, closed the doors in early 2022, saying at the time they were “mentally and financially” spent after two years struggling with Covid-19 density rules.

Mr Ventura’s refurbishment plans are currently on public notification, with feedback on the proposal closing on May 28. He has been contacted for comment.

Last week a former business partner of Mr Ventura, Joseph Paul Chehade, faced court over allegations he invaded Mr Ventura’s home last year, and attacked him in front of his wife and two children, before setting fire to the heritage-listed building next to the Oxford Hotel in North Adelaide.