Waverley Estate in Port Elliot for sale for first time in 20 years
Offering a slice of provincial France in Port Elliot, a historic wedding venue and bed and breakfast is up for sale for the first time in 20 years.
The historic Waverley Estate in Port Elliot is being offered for sale for the first time in 20 years.
Under the ownership of local businessman Campbell Haig, the estate has become a popular location for weddings, family events, business retreats and conferences, offering luxury accommodation for up to 22 guests, including in the original bluestone house.
Mr Haig said it was time for someone else to “put their mark” on the homestead as he explored other property development opportunities on the Fleurieu Peninsula.
“I’ve built the business up very solidly from when I took over - I have spent the past 20 years building the bed and breakfast, the short-term accommodation business, up to where it is today.
“Covid obviously knocked us around like it did everyone, but it’s certainly resurrected itself and at the moment the appetite for large groups is massive.
“We’re looking for someone to come in and put their mark on it. I feel I have left it in a far better place than when I found it, and that was very important to me - to keep working on it, keep restoring it and keep adding to it so that it could be preserved for future generations.
“It’s been a passion of mine - I’ve loved showing people around and I love telling them about the history of the property.”
Seven years after it was built in 1856, the property became one of the state’s earliest school houses when it was transformed into a ‘gentlemen’s academy’ for boys in the region.
After later passing through the ownership of several families, the property fell into a state of disrepair before it was restored by businessman Chris Norris in the 1990s.
The expansive property is inspired by French provincial design, and features a lawn tennis court, central courtyard with fire pit, swimming pool, vineyard and leased cellar door.
Mr Haig said the sale would enable him to pursue other property developments in the region, including construction of luxury cabins on his farm in Port Elliot.
He recently sold the Thunderbird restaurant and bar, which he launched in 2017 on the main street of the popular tourist town, but will continue to make wines under the Thunderbird label.
“My passion is definitely the region and everything it has to offer,” he said.
“I think it’s an incredible place, so close to the city. It’s a rarity in a capital city to have all this coastline, and I’ve always felt Port Elliot is the jewel in the crown of the southern Fleurieu.”
Waverley Estate is for sale through Sam Alexander and Jed Harley of Cushman & Wakefield, and Russell Iles of Woodbridge Iles.
Expressions of interest close on October 26.
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