Renovations
When I took over the business four years ago, renovations weren’t even on my radar. I was focused on keeping things running smoothly, maintaining what was already there. But now, looking back at the transformation that’s taken place, I honestly can’t imagine leaving it as it was. Every change has added something special, not just to the look and feel of the venue, but to the experience we’re able to offer our guests.
It all started with our first small revamp: the now-famous Green Wall. It was such a simple, low-cost addition, something I could do myself , but the impact was immediate. That little wall made me realise how powerful small changes can be. It sparked the question: What else can I improve?
Floor to ceiling sheer curtains were then added over our window and doors softening the inside feel and allowing couples to now have a grand reveal to their reception as customers cant see in but they can see out. a fresh coat of paint on the walls and Turing the metal post structure into a feature painting them black. new festoon lighting and panel lighting was also installed to create a cohesive look to match the foam acoustic panelling.
Then came our first wedding season, a bit of an unusual one, thanks to COVID. That experience highlighted areas that needed attention, both in terms of guest comfort and how we support our staff behind the scenes.
One major upgrade was replacing our charming but tiny caravan bar with a fully functional container bar. As cute as the caravan was, it wasn’t practical. It could barely fit two under-bench fridges, and squeezing a slab of beer through the door required turning it sideways! Serving from it was awkward at best. Our new container bar, on the other hand, is a game-changer. It now includes three fridges, a freezer, ice machine, sink, slushie machines, and two registers, giving us the ability to serve large groups quickly and efficiently, all from one central spot.
To complement the new bar area, we constructed a massive 3-meter-high fence along the entire west boundary. Some people joked that I was building a prison, but this fence serves two important purposes. It blocks the strong westerly winds that blow across our rural landscape, and it creates a visual barrier between our venue and the operational side of the vineyard we share the property with. The vineyard team has always been wonderfully supportive, keeping the grounds immaculate during wedding season, but the fence gives them the space to work uninterrupted, and us the freedom to create a dedicated event zone.
One extra bonus i didnt consider at the start from the new fence was it has allowed us to plant climbing fig, which is growing into a stunning backdrop for ceremonies. We also added a new garden bed near the container bar, adding yet another cosy corner for guests to enjoy.
The final piece of this renovation puzzle was the installation of etched concrete, connecting the bar to the deck. With shade sails above and festoon lights strung overhead, this area now serves as the perfect mingling space — and even an extended dance floor on those magical balmy evening receptions.
