Delgattie
Delgattie

History

Delgattie Estate was originally part of ‘Canavan’s Paddock’. Local accountant Alexander Walker built a single storey dolomite and limestone residence after purchasing two allotments at auction in late 1902. New livestock saleyards were built directly in front of the home where the Commodore on the Park is now situated.

Solicitor (and later chief magistrate) Carl Louis Spehr and his wife, Emma, became Delgattie’s second owners in 1905. They added a second storey in around 1925 to accommodate an enormous billiard table that had to be hoisted into place before the roof was added. Legend has it that the future King Edward VIII enjoyed a game of billiards on this very table during a tour of Australia, and guests at Delgattie can enjoy the same privilege.

Delgattie was converted into apartments during the 1940s, but in 1955, new owners reverted it to a home. The property changed hands several more times before the Kosch family purchased it with a vision of transforming it into a boutique hotel. Owners of the neighbouring Commodore on the Park motel since 1989 and Mount Gambier’s new-look The Henty, the Kosch family is excited to share the next chapter of ‘Delgattie Estate’ with valued guests.

 

 

 

Our Suites

Delgattie Estate’s history spans 118 years.

Our three premium guest suites have been named as a tribute to those who came before us.

Frew Suite

George Frew
Original leadlight windows in this navy blue-themed room offer glorious views of Frew Park. From the luxurious velvet king bed to the cosy gas fire and fascinating antique furnishings, this spacious and luxurious suite with its private sun-drenched sitting room will be difficult to leave. The spacious marble bathroom has a deep ceramic claw-foot bath, dual vanity and separate shower.

Walker Suite

Alexander Walker
Magnificent black and gold wallpaper adds a sense of drama to this spacious west-facing suite with luxurious king bed and antique furnishings. Toast the golden hour in your own private sitting room overlooking the garden, and relax in the private en suite with deep claw-foot bath and separate shower.

Hay Suite

Ian and Merle Hay
Delgattie’s owners first spotted the striking blue subway tiles in the Hay suite’s private bathroom in the UK, and they were so enchanted by them that they shipped them back to SA! They’re a stunning addition to this inviting suite featuring a Queen bed, en suite with shower, cosy sitting room with gas fire and direct garden access.

The Property

Bankside Dining Room

Delgattie was originally named ‘Bankside’ after the first owner’s grandfather, and our Bankside Dining Room seats 12 guests around the grand French oak table shipped all the way from Bordeaux.

Guests booking Delgattie Estate for their exclusive use can savour a truly unforgettable private dining experience – work with our concierge to design your own bespoke menu showcasing the Limestone Coast’s finest regional produce and wines. Enjoy your meal beneath the twinkling lights of a stunning Parisian crystal chandelier, with a cosy open fire adding to the ambience.

Spehr Billiard Lounge & Balcony

The Melbourne-crafted Alcock Barrel Leg billiard table has been at Delgattie Estate since the 1920s. Owners Carl and Emma Spehr added the second story to accommodate the enormous table, and it was hoisted into place before the multi-gabled terracotta roof was added. Legend has it that prior to Carl Spehr purchasing the table, the Prince of Wales (who abdicated from the throne so he could marry American divorcee Wallis Simpson) had played on it during a visit to Australia. So guests of Delgattie Estate will have their own brush with royalty!

Enjoy happy hour drinks on the upstairs deck off the billiard lounge, while the antique pianola (also craned into the property!) adds some authentic accompaniment.

The Gardens

The property boasts divine gardens and extensive lawn areas that are available for you to relax in during your stay.