Magpies Nest in Estella submits plans for new cottages

An acclaimed heritage listed restaurant and popular wedding venue in Wagga has revealed its plans to expand.

A prominent restaurant and sought after wedding venue in Wagga has submitted plans to build 10 new cottages in an effort to expand their business. Picture: Contributed

A prominent Wagga restaurant and sought after wedding venue has submitted plans to expand their business at a cost of $1.5m.

Magpies Nest in Estella, north of Wagga’s CBD, hopes to introduce 10 cottages on their 20 acre property to diversify their hospitality venture through hotel accommodation for tourists and wedding guests.

Magpies Nest director Hayley West said it was an exciting time for the 19th century built venue, which overlooked the Murrumbidgee River as well as its vineyard and olive groves.

Developers hoped to house up to 22 guests who required accommodation while attending weddings held at the venue.

Magpies Nest restaurant in Estella.

Ms West took over the restaurant’s operations from her parents following eight years of their management, and wanted to make her mark on the industry while adding to the business’ current offerings.

“One of our favourite aspects of the property is the stunning sunsets out over the Malebo range and Murrumbidgee river,” she said.

“To have the opportunity to share this with overnight guests nestled among the vineyard is truly something special.

“We are well known for our weddings, hosting ceremonies in the gardens surrounding the historic stables before partying the night away and have often been asked over the years for accommodation.”

A bird’s eye view of the venue.

The second generation director said the stone stables were heritage listed and the only remaining example of that style in the Wagga local government area.

“Sharing this heritage asset with a wider range of guests travelling to the region offers a different perspective to the central city accommodation options currently available,” she said.

In application documents before council, the restaurant plans to design each villa around a courtyard to “take in the sunset views over the Malebo range”.

The original structure was built in the 1860s.

The exterior of the proposed cottages.

The layout of some of the cottages.

Developers say the new cottages would provide visitors with a unique experience where they could stay “among the vines” with “striking vistas” down to the river.

As one of the oldest agricultural holdings in Wagga according to development documents, the venue was renovated to use the stables as a restaurant.

Magpies Nest was first created after the Whyte family bought the Estella Homestead and outbuilding in the 1990s, with the historical site being a remnant of the early pastoral settlement of the Riverina.

“The proposal would provide tourist accommodation on the northern side of Wagga Wagga, where there are only a few approved premises,” application documents state.

“Their principal function is to accommodate the wedding party and family, noting that weddings are the primary form of functions at the site.”