Southern Ocean Lodge owners Baillie Lodges acquires The Louise in Barossa Valley

The owners of Kangaroo Island’s Southern Ocean Lodge have a huge rebuild on their hands – but it hasn’t stopped them taking on another prestige property.

The owners of Kangaroo Island’s Southern Ocean Lodge have a huge rebuild project on their hands – but that hasn’t stopped them taking on another luxury offering.

Baillie Lodges has announced it will acquire The Louise, in the Barossa Valley for an undisclosed sum.

Chief operating officer Craig Bradbery said the company planned to invest in the property and its guest experiences but would first settle in “and learn the lay of the land”.

The self-drive market has taken off in South Australia as locals seek out local holiday experiences amid travel restrictions.

Mr Bradbery said the business had also noticed increased demand for luxury lodges as Australian travellers treated themselves to “a premium getaway”.

“The Louise has been busy since the advent of the pandemic,” he said.

“(It) has always appealed to a mix of local and overseas markets so we hope to welcome more Aussies to The Louise for the meantime, and open our doors to overseas guests as soon as they’re able to travel here.”

The Louise, which Baillie Lodges has described as “an acclaimed luxury culinary destination”, will join the business in September 2021.

Baillie Lodges has acquired The Louise in the Barossa Valley.

About 16 years ago, owners Jim and Helen Carreker redeveloped a motel at the site, into a 15-suite luxury lodge.

Baillie Lodges Founder James Baillie said he felt “privileged” to be The Louise’s new custodian.

“We’re delighted that Jim and Helen have entrusted us to continue their legacy and vision for creating exceptional culinary tourism in the Barossa,” Mr Baillie said.

“We have always considered that a marriage of The Louise’s culinary excellence with our growing portfolio of luxury lodges would be an ideal match,” Mr Baillie said.

The Louise owner Jim Carreker said: “In 2005, Helen and I had a vision to help develop the global appeal for culinary stays in the Barossa to match that of other iconic wine regions such as Napa, Bordeaux and Tuscany.”

“That goal is largely achieved, and it’s now time for The Louise to join an internationally significant brand with all the resources to further develop both the reputation and the facilities of this very unique property,” he said.

Baillie Lodges has development approval to rebuild Kangaroo Island’s Southern Ocean Lodge, destroyed in the summer 2019/20 bushfires.

Baillie Lodges has development approval to rebuild Kangaroo Island’s Southern Ocean Lodge, destroyed in the summer 2019/20 bushfires.

However, it still needs to finalise finance and insurance.

“Ballie Lodges has always sought to employ local tradespeople, and once the lodge is built it will once again be a boon for local suppliers of food and beverages, furnishings, artworks and spa amenities on an ongoing basis,” Mr Bradbery said.

“We hope to see Southern Ocean Lodge 2.0 open in the first half of 2023.”

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Originally published as Southern Ocean Lodge owners Baillie Lodges acquires The Louise in Barossa Valley