Fifteen years ago, Strathalbyn family Phil and Bev Richards, daughter Belinda Vivian and business partner, Bill Bullock opened Strath Motel, teaming up to bring their dream of enhancing the local visitor experience into a reality.
The Strathalbyn residents were attracted to the “ideal” weekend destination, with the site being amongst the heritage and antiques of Strathalbyn, in the Fleurieu Peninsula and near the Langhorne Creek wine region.
After two and a half years of gaining approvals, and a nine-month building project, Strath Motel opened to the public in July 2008.
About 500 people attended an open day at the time, and Member for Hammond Adrian Pederick congratulated those involved for an outstanding development.
Ms Vivian took the role of Business Manager, while the others formed the team of Directors, who brought together the design, building and operational expertise to nurture the business to what it delivers today.
By designing and building the motel and business from the ground up, Strath Motel has been tailored specifically for a long-term business and quality customer experience.
“This birthday has given us quite the opportunity to reflect on what it takes to build and run a successful small business in a small town,” Ms Vivian said.
“The navigation is often challenging beyond belief, but you have to keep going – so many rely on you and our whole team has had to make it work together, to be here today celebrating 15 years.
“We have learned a lot over the years, creating better outcomes, tweaking what we do and how we do things and constantly becoming more efficient.
“We have been lucky enough to have worked with some great, local and Fleurieu trades over the years.
“They have all looked after us really well and we can rely on them.”
