Images: Anthony Donato Architects
A new boutique accomodation spot along the water of Lake Albert in Meningie is bringing a little more luxury to the quiet Coorong town.
Think lakeside escape, watching the sunset sink beneath the water before getting settled alongside a glowing fire and a nice glass of your favourite wine. No, this isn’t just a dream weekend, it’s about to get underway along Hyde Avenue in Meningie.
The new offering is a replacement of the former Meningie Waterfront Motel and Cafe, which is currently being demolished in order to make way for the 14 pod retreat.
The former waterfront motel and cafe was built in the 1960’s, so it had that older modest feel but with the same great lake views. The motel had about ten cabins, and although it wasn’t a five star hotel, the offering was quite affordable.
Anthony Donato Architects are behind the new design which has been made to appeal to couples looking for a getaway, or small families on a fun weekend trip.
“There are some one-bed accommodation pods and some family-style two-bed ones as well,” Anthony Donato Architects Director, Anthony Donato said.
“They sit right on the waterfront… overlooking Lake Albert.”
The resort as a whole fits the modern, contemporary look that we’ve been well introduced with Sho Sugi Ban timber panelling wrapped around the outside, high ceilings, minimal colour and an open living area that mimics studio apartment living.
“In the middle, you have the main building, which would be like a little tavern-style building with reception, a guest lounge, restaurant dining area, a nice kitchen and bar,” Anthony said.
This is where guest can also check in, find the laundry and socialise with other travellers. The rooms are split in single pods and two bedroom pods, which overlook the water, contain a kitchenette, fireplace and living area.
“It’s all flowing, and part of the buildings almost cantilever right into the water,” Anthony said.
“It’s got modern colours, modern features, contemporary styling, nice warm lighting, nice tiling and softer tones in the accommodation areas.”
“The single ones are suited more for a couple, like a nice weekend away,” he said.
“Then you’ve got little two-bedroom ones as well, which are probably more of a family unit.”
The restaurant, which is located in the main middle building, will be something the township haven’t seen before, and when open will be a great hotpot for locals looking for their next dinner date.
“We’re looking at a really nice little bar design, nice contemporary dining, perhaps incorporating a little fireplace in there as well,” Anthony said.
The main building which will house the restaurant is set to be built on site while the rooms or pods are being made beforehand and assembled onsite.
The accommodation offering and new restaurant are filing a major gap in the market that the Coorong is excited to fill; a high end luxury resort.
Anthony said construction is likely to kick off in early 2027, and we’ll be sure to keep an eye out for updates for the luxury accommodation.
