Ampersand Estates
There are labours of love and then there are the likes of Ampersand Estates which after an extensive two-and-a-half-year development has become a “luxury base camp” for those visiting the south west.
Set beside the Donnelly River, bordered on three sides by the Beedelup National Park with its towering Karri trees. Ampersand Estates is just 25km from the Southern Ocean. The property had fallen into some disrepair before co-founders Melissa Bell and Corrie Scheepers took on the daunting task of not just renovation but a rejuvenation that has had a ripple effect across the Pemberton wine region, creating an accommodation and wine estate experience that’s one of the best in the country.
In 2020, Ampersand Estates was conceived on the site of the Pemberton region’s oldest winery. Guests can enjoy their stay, estate grown wines with a focus on Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir and sparkling Pinot Noir Chardonnay, as well as spirits from the estate’s own Rainfall Distillery.
Need to Knows
- The Homestead sleeps 10 guests across 5 en-suite bedrooms, with a luxurious kitchen, lounge and dining area that’s perfect for family gatherings. A fireplace keeps things snug on cooler nights, while an expansive deck extends the entertaining space even further.
- The Vintner’s Residence sleeps 10 guests over 5 bedrooms (4 en-suite). Being at the high point of the property it has views down over the vineyards and benefits from a fireplace and two outside deck areas.
- Settlers’ Cottage located close to the cellar door was originally built in the 1870’s. This piece of Pemberton history sleeps 4 guests over 2 bedrooms and a single well-appointed bathroom. A spacious farmhouse kitchen provides a gathering point along with a lounge and wraparound verandah.
- Each property has the benefit of a curated art collection, climate-controlled air conditioning, wood burning fireplace, king-sized Australian-made hotel-quality beds, Canningvale premium bedding and linens, Somic body and beauty products, dedicated wine fridge, premium fitted appliances, Breville Barista coffee machine, Plumm glassware, BBQ, smart TV and Wi-Fi.
- Check-in / Check-out Times: 3pm / 10am.
What’s There
If you can tear yourself away from your luxury accommodation there’s plenty to do on the estate. Visit the cellar door to appreciate the award-winning wines, take a tour of the distillery, or a self-guided exploration aided by a handy network of QR code signage throughout the estate. A major development for 2026, the Rainfall Distillery Gardens is an innovative botanical showcase of the herbs, spices, fruits and botanicals that are used in Rainfall Distillery premium spirits.
To get the most out of your stay a hosted garden and distillery tour dives deep into the story of the estate, production methods, closed loop ethos, and its vision to produce true single estate spirits. Around the greenhouse long table, you’ll taste and talk about wine from the estate, followed by gin and vodka crafted from the Chardonnay base spirit. Launched in May, the Terroir Tasting Experience was introduced as part of the prestigious Ultimate Winery Experiences Australia collection. Guests staying one of the three luxury residences can book it year-round, with public tours available from September to May.
If you want to balance indulgence with wellness The Summit Studio is your destination. Take a gentle hike up to the property’s hilltop vantage point and take in the vineyard views and national park. Within the glass fronted studio you can take advantage of custom workouts or work through your own yoga or Pilates practice. You may just head up there for the view.
What’s Nearby
Pemberton is just under a 30-minute drive south-east, while in just over 60-minutes west you can be in Margaret River and on the doorstep of that region’s wineries. During the winter season restaurants across the world serve black truffle harvested in Pemberton and Manjimup, the Southern Forests region being the largest producer in the southern hemisphere. Truffle hunts at the likes of Australian Truffle Traders are a great way to get behind the scenes. There’s plenty of ways to experience the forests but respected local operator Pemberton Discovery Tours venture into the Karri forests and out over the Yeagarup Sand Dunes to the Southern Ocean. Beedelup Lake is only 10 minutes’ drive and provides a year-round activity hub with walking trails and water craft for hire.
Children
Families are welcome on the estate.
Breakfast
Fire up the coffee machine and designate a barista as you delve into the locally sourced breakfast hamper with fruit juice, muesli, yoghurt, and fresh fruit. Those looking for a hearty start won’t be disappointed with bread, bacon, eggs, and seasonal additions of avocado.
Eating and Drinking
A common denominator between each of the estate’s dwellings is the presence of a serious cook’s kitchen. You can pick up produce on your way or the estate can provide lunch and dinner hampers as they do with breakfast. For al fresco dining you may want to pre-book a picnic lunch or grazing board to enjoy at the lakeside cellar door. For those that are serious about getting the full experience, Argentinian estate chef Facundo Salas is known for his traditional fire fuelled cooking, as he presents multi course dinners using local produce. Private dining can be delivered starlit, fireside or in the Oldfield’s Barn. Drinks are a given here, with the ability to stock up at the cellar door or take advantage of stocked wine fridges and generous drinks trolleys featuring the estates’ range of wines, vodka and gin.
Notes
Guests can choose between The Classic Ampersand Stay Experience comprising of an overnight stay, gourmet breakfast hamper, and wine tasting, or a more comprehensive package in The Ampersand Estates Experience. This is an all-inclusive, curated offering with an owner-hosted element bringing together dining, wine, spirits and wellness – the ultimate estate experience offering privileged access and privacy.