Delgattie Estate, 1902
History
A landmark heritage building in Mount Gambier, Delgattie Estate has been a much-loved residence throughout its 122-year history. It was built in 1902 as a single storey dolomite and limestone residence by Mount Gambier accountant Alexander Walker, an active member of the local community. Synonymous with South Australian Federation-style architecture, yet on a grand scale, Delgattie features high ceilings with stunning cornicework, polished hardwood floors, ornate fireplace surrounds, and leadlight windows.
In 1905, the property changed hands to Carl Louis Spehr and his wife, Elizabeth. Like Walker, Carl Spehr was also an active community member, who served as Councillor, Mayor and Alderman at Mount Gambier Council for 30 years. They added a second storey to the home around 1925, specifically to house an Alcock Barrel Leg billiard table, hoisted into place before the terracotta roof was added. Manufactured by Alcocks of Melbourne, it remains in situ today.
Ian and Merle Hay became the new owners in March 1955, naming the house ‘Delgattie’ after the historic Delgatie Castle in Aberdeenshire, Scotland - part of the Hay family ancestry for more than six centuries.
The most recent custodians of Delgattie Estate are the Kosch family, who transformed the home into boutique, luxury accommodation in 2020. Fittingly, each room is named after those who formed part of Delgattie’s history. The Kosch family are excited to share the next chapter of Delgattie Estate with their valued guests, and welcome you with warm hospitality and personalised service.
Accommodation
With just three individually-designed, luxurious guest suites, Delgattie Estate is a truly boutique accommodation experience. Each suite sleeps two adults, and feature their own sunny sitting rooms, luxuriously-appointed private bathrooms with Appelles Apothecary Lab amenities, and separate entrances to ensure complete privacy.
Suites also have complementary Wi-Fi, Bose speaker system, Nespresso coffee machine, and mini bar that includes a selection of cocktails, local beers, and Delgattie Estate private label wines.
Choose from the Walker Suite, with sumptuous king bed, striking black and gold wallpaper, and antique furnishings. A deep clawfoot bath awaits in the Carrara marble bathroom, and toast the golden hour in the light-filled sitting room overlooking the garden.
The Hay Suite features a queen bed, cosy sitting room with gas fireplace and direct access to the garden, and a luxurious bathroom with large shower and stunning blue subway tiles from England.
With an elegant navy blue and white colour palette, the Frew Suite has an exquisite original fireplace, leadlight windows that offer views of Frew Park, and a spacious marble bathroom with deep ceramic claw-foot bath, dual vanity, and separate shower.
Guests are welcome to spend time in the Bankside Dining Room that seats 12 guests around the grand French oak table sourced in Bordeaux. And enjoy a game of pool in the Spehr Billard Lounge, while taking in views across Mount Gambier.
Surrounding the property are established manicured gardens, and extensive lawn areas where you can relax at the end of the day with a glass of wine.
When booking, we recommend selecting the Best Available rate, which includes breakfast daily, and a bottle of Delgattie Estate Private Label wine upon arrival.
“Delgattie Estate is absolutely stunning, as are the suite details - high quality linens, cosy fireplace, luxurious bathroom with fluffy towels & bathrobes, and separate sitting area with mini bar & glassware were all so beautiful. Loved the billiards room, and gorgeous dining room. Highly recommended!”
Special Features
Perfect for Couples
Clawfoot Baths
Luxurious Linens
Gas Fireplaces
Things To Do
Mount Gambier, located in South Australia's Limestone Coast, is renowned for its stunning natural attractions. The Blue Lake, which changes color from grey to vibrant blue during the year, is a must-see, offering scenic walking trails and picnic spots around the lake’s 3.6km circumference, along with panoramic views. A short drive out of town are the caves of Engelbrecht and Tantanoola - an incredible subterranean adventure, where you can explore ancient limestone formations.
The modern Main Corner building emerges from the historic dolomite town hall building. The complex offers a wonderful opportunity to learn about local history and culture. Adjacent is the Riddoch Arts and Cultural Centre, showcasing local art and changing exhibitions.
Also nearby, you’ll find the Umpherston Sinkhole, a sunken garden formed as a result of limestone corrosion, now filled with lush greenery, perfect for a peaceful stroll. The resident colony of possums make appearances throughout the day, particularly at dusk, and enjoy being fed fresh fruit. A spectacular waterfall can sometimes be seen during winter.
And spend a day or two stopping in at cellar doors, with Mount Gambier being the gateway to the Coonawarra wine region that’s famous for its premium red wine varieties. Stop in at Wynns Coonawarra Estate, one of the oldest and most iconic wineries in the region, Penley Estate – a family-run winery offering a wonderful cellar door experience, Rymill Coonawarra with a cellar door open every day, Majella Wines for its award-winning red Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon, and Balnaves of Coonawarra - a boutique winery offering personalized tastings at their scenic cellar door.
