The Next Chapter

Baillie Lodges Founder James Baillie said he felt very privileged to be the custodian of a property like The Louise. “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.

“In 2009, my wife Hayley and I stayed at The Louise at the invitation of Jim and Helen to participate in the genesis planning for the Luxury Lodges of Australia cooperative. In the decade since, we have welcomed domestic and international guests travelling to South Australia whose itineraries included stays at both The Louise and Southern Ocean Lodge. Our teams are already great mates, and our respective lodges’ ‘hospitality DNA’ is profoundly matched. 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 and Managing Director Jim Carreker said he couldn’t have imagined a better fit for the property. “We’ve really had our hearts and souls invested in The Louise and in the Barossa community over these past 16 years and it’s been a joy for us. We recognise the future potential for The Louise and our professional hospitality team under the Baillie Lodges brand and feel confident that our commitment to extraordinary guest experiences will be upheld as the Barossa enters a new era in luxury travel,” Mr. 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.

“This acquisition will be vitally important to the economy of the Barossa and South Australia. Our personal mission in the hospitality industry here will soon be complete, and we look forward to returning frequently as guests at The Louise to share in the growth of brand Barossa as a drawcard for international premium visitors to Australia.”

Baillie Lodges’ growing portfolio of upscale lodges also includes Longitude 131° at Uluru-Kata Tjuta, Capella Lodge on Lord Howe Island and Tropical North Queensland luxury bolt-hole Silky Oaks Lodge in the Daintree, which is currently under renovation ahead of reopening in spring this year. The company’s flagship property, Southern Ocean Lodge on Kangaroo Island, was destroyed in bushfires in 2020, with rebuilding plans underway. The Baillie Lodges collection extends oversees with New Zealand’s iconic Huka Lodge and Vancouver Island’s Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge.