Case Studies
Issue No. 12 - August/September 2003
Mt Lofty House
Lofty Goals
Adelaide is always touted as a very liveable city, everything in easy reach, but it doesn’t follow that convenience automatically brings business success.
Sitting majestically on the flank of Mount Lofty in the Adelaide Hills, Mount Lofty House is one of the State’s premier accommodation and hospitality venues. A Grand Mercure hotel, part of the Accor hotel group, the property is small by comparison with its stablemates and, interestingly, is operated by the Aughey family under small business principles.
Without doubt, the property’s location is a key asset. Only 20 minutes from the CBD but perched near the highest point in the State, Mount Lofty House enjoys sweeping views, fresh air and abundant spring water.
“The property is very much part of Adelaide hill’s identity and is a significant landmark for the state,” says General Manager, Kent Aughey.
In the local context it has the matchless history and English country house style. Built by the Hardy family in 1856, it was a landmark even before its tragic devastation in the Ash Wednesday bushfires.
The property opened as a boutique hotel of eight rooms when it was resurrected in 1986. In 1988 further refurbishment and the Piccadilly extension added 21 rooms. In 2002, the Piccadilly wing and Piccadilly Restaurant were rebuilt to take advantage of the stunning views. The property boasts the kind of features you can’t create overnight— huge oak trees, Californian Redwoods, roses, camellias, rhododendrons, vineyard and native species of the Adelaide hills strewn about 10 hectares (25 acres).
Kent’s family company assumed ownership in 1993 and maintains a diligent re—investment policy: the family is “keen to see gardens and buildings maintained and improved upon”. There is a lot of attention to detail, both past and present.
“Our focus is on friendly and professional, real people serving real food,” Kent says and he’s prepar...
