Baillie Lodges unveils $3m makeover at The Louise

By Alexandra Coulton

Fresh from a $3 million makeover, Baillie Lodges’ new-look The Louise has opened in South Australia’s Barossa Valley culinary country, welcoming guests from Australia and overseas.

Visitors arriving to stay at The Louise, or to dine at its popular restaurants, award-winning Appellation and the charming new Contour (formerly three75) will appreciate a contemporary new look and feel in line with the Baillie Lodges character.

Designs by South Australia-based architect Max Pritchard include sweeping curved walls which open up the main lodge and draw the eye to the tableau of rolling hills, crisscrossed with old-growth vineyards and a patchwork of small farms that characterise the Barossa landscape.

New artworks have been commissioned from South Australian artists Emma Hack, Janelle Amos and Renee de Saxe provide a sense of the place and, in keeping with The Louise’s preference for working with suppliers from the close-knit community, the work has been completed by small local trades companies, Barossa family company Bartsch Builders and – just down the highway – Gawler Custom Joinery.

Stonewell Suite Lounge

Baillie Lodges has also welcomed executive chef Asher Blackford to the helm in the kitchen, fresh from a stint at sister property Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge on Vancouver Island and formerly from flagship property Southern Ocean Lodge on Kangaroo Island.

The renowned Louise wine collection has also been granted a showcase worthy of its contents; nestled alongside the guest lounge, the timber and glass prism holds more than 800 wine bottles and has been dubbed the ‘wine lantern’ as it glows with the liquid stories behind the fine labels from the Barossa, South Australia and beyond.

The Louise Wine ‘Lantern’

For guests, The Louise’s fifteen suites have also seen a significant refurbishment, with contemporary furnishings, king beds, luxury ensuite bathroom and plenty of space to feel at home.

Baillie Lodges chief operating officer Craig Bradbery said the team was thrilled to be opening its doors to friends and guests from near and far from today onwards.

“We’re just thrilled to see the results of the intricate planning and investment in this iconic property and we’re so excited to embark on the delivery of a new experience of the Barossa for our guests with The Louise as luxury base,” he said.

“Much more than ‘just wine’, there’s so much to see and do, and people to meet in the Barossa, and we’re delighted to be welcoming new guests as well as old friends to experience this special place.”

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Appellation baillie lodges barossa valley Contour Max Pritchard south australia The Louise