Fund manager swoops on TV’s ‘Drover’s Run’
Salter Brothers has snapped up the 91 hectare Kingsford The Barossa estate once owned by Channel Nine and used as Drover’s Run in television show McLeod’s Daughters.
The Melbourne fund manager is paying an as yet undisclosed price for 68 Kingsford Road, Kingsford, which recently underwent a c$10 million refurbishment as a boutique accommodation venue with 16 suites.
Also with a restaurant, Orleana and conference facilities, the property will now be managed by Salter, under its brands Spicers Retreats and Ardour Hotels – the latter which only launched last August.
An extension is planned with more guest rooms, the fund manager’s Paul Salter said.
The acquisition is the company’s first regional South Australian retreat.
Its first state investment – the two year old Adelaide CBD’s Sofitel – cost $154m in March, from the developer, Palumbo Group.
High profile property
Between Gawler and Freeling, 45 kilometres north east of Adelaide, was offered by Leanne and Stefan Ahrens who paid Channel Nine $1.5 million in 2008, just after the network finished producing the show after eight seasons (story continues below).
The c1856 Georgian style homestead also includes three bars, a 21 metre wine cellar, Kegelbahn – a German themed bowling alley – and saltwater pool.
Salter has been building its book of New South Wales boutique accommodation assets this year, with at the Blue Mountains, Hunter Valley and Southern Highlands.
“We are delighted to acquire this beautiful property, which will complement our existing portfolio of boutique luxury hotels and retreats,” Mr Salter said.
“We look forward to the opportunity to put Salter Brothers touches on a premium asset,” he added.
Last week we reported the group was seeking to replace airspace over two historic buildings in Melbourne’s Collins Street with a 32 storey hotel and office investment.
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