Landmark Barossa Hotel to Debut Salter Brothers’ Brand

Australian investment firm Salter Brothers has revealed its first hotel under its new brand.

The firm has acquired the historic Kingsford Barossa in South Australia and will open it later this year as the Ardour Hotels & Estates brand debut.

Set on a 91ha property 45 minutes from Adelaide, Kingsford Barossa comprises 13 high-end rooms.

It offers three bar areas, restaurant and a 21m-long wine cellar, as well as a saltwater pool and a Kegelbahn: a German-inspired indoor bowling alley.

Built by pastoralist Stephen King in 1853, the boutique hotel was sold to Salter Brothers in October after a $10m renovation.

▲ The property includes a so-called wine tunnel—a 21m-long cellar, left.

The property also underwent a major renovation in 2011 and a significant extension in 2021.

Room rates are up to $1980 a night, according to the property’s website.

It featured in the Australian TV drama McLeod’s Daughters as the family’s Drover’s Run homestead after Channel Nine bought the property in 2000 from longstanding owner Tom Fotherington for an estimated $380,000.

This acquisition and the development of the Ardour Hotel and Estates brand “strategically aligns with Salter Brothers regional hospitality growth strategy and the formation in 2023 of its hospitality management company, Salter Brothers Hospitality (SBH)”, the company said.

Salter Brothers Hospitality chief executive Tash Tobias said it was appropriate “to be launching our first Ardour in an esteemed destination such as the Barossa, with a reputation for premium food and wine”.

▲ Current room rates for the property go as high as $1980 a night.

The company said Ardour was “born from the ambition of growing a portfolio of curated hotels and estates to offer luxurious hospitality experiences within the most naturally stunning settings, for colleagues, families and friends to connect and celebrate”.

Salter Brothers Hospitality operates, manages and licenses the brands of Spicers Retreats and Ardour Hotels & Estates.

Before this most recent announcement, SBH had 17 hotels and 14 restaurants and bars under management and licensing services.

According to the company’s website, Ardour will open three properties in Australia this year and two more next year.