The Louise has become the newest member of the Baillie Lodges family.

Barossa Valley culinary accommodation house, The Louise, will become a member of the Baillie Lodges family in September after being acquired by the growing luxury group.

A pioneering member of the ‘Luxury Lodges of Australia’ collective, The Louise has evolved over nearly two decades from a country motel into a 15-suite destination under the guidance of owners, Jim and Helen Carreker. The property is a strong advocate of food and wine pairing and showcases some of the region’s highest-profile labels including Penfolds, Henschke and Seppeltsfield through to boutique cellar doors including Izway and David Franz.

All staff at The Louise will transition to the Baillie Lodges family and will remain under the watch of General Manager, Kylie Mansfield.

Appellation Restaurant at The Louise.

Extending a warm welcome to the portfolio, Baillie Lodges Chief Operating Officer Craig Bradbery said The Louise would be a natural fit within the organisation.

“It’s our custom to welcome all employees at each of our new properties into the Baillie Lodges family, offering opportunities for further career advancement and exposure to tourism and hospitality industry best practices,” he said.

Baillie Lodges Founder, James Baillie, said that having experienced the property first-hand, he was honoured the Carreker’s had entrusted the company to continue their legacy of creating exceptional culinary tourism in the Barossa region.

A Vineyard Suite at The Louise is among the property’s 15 keys.

“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,” he said.

“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.”

The acquisition of The Louise marks the return of Baillie Lodges to South Australia after Southern Ocean Lodge was destroyed in the 2020 Kangaroo Island bushfires, with planning continuing for the rebuilding of the resort.