Step into the stories of Ampersand Estates
Long before vines shaped the landscape and laughter echoed from long tables and celebrations, this land was complete wilderness. A canvas of towering Karri trees, dense with undergrowth and shadow, where sunlight barely touched the forest floor. Into this ancient wilderness came the first settlers, families of Seventh-Day Adventists who had journeyed from the highlands of Scotland and across vast oceans to the remote edge of Western Australia, chasing the promise of a new beginning.
For many of the families who came to settle this region, only a single horse was provided between them all. That horse became a lifeline that was essential for clearing and cultivating the land they needed to survive. And so, in the 1870s, this stable was built on the banks of the Donnelly River, where water ran pure and plentiful and their animals had shelter from the dangers of the Aussie bush.
This land they faced was merciless, wild, and dense with towering Karri and tangled foliage—all of which had to be cleared by hand. Every inch of open space on this estate was carved out by those settlers, who turned thick, untamed forest into working pasture using only saws, axes, and their shared horse.
Through hardship and perseverance, the Scott family overcame the dangers of the unknown and soon, the forest gave way to fields. Sheep and cattle were introduced in the early 1900s, grazing the newly cleared land that now surrounds you. The stables, once shelter for a single horse, evolved into a shearing shed, where wool was hand-cut and baled with care.
In 1983, the Donnelly River rose during a great flood, submerging the stables. What remained was rebuilt and today, it stands once more. No longer a place of labour, but a monument to endurance. A quiet witness to celebrations, to stillness, and to new memories made.
We invite you to pause here and listen. Beneath the wind, beneath the soft rush of the nearby river, you might still hear it; the steady beat of hooves, the creak of timber, the breath of a single horse carrying hope into the unknown.
This is where the first stories of our estate were carved into history one tree at a time, and where many more are stories waiting to be written.
Carefully preserved as a living monument, the Stables invite you to visit, wander, and explore a place where the estate’s earliest stories still resonate. Step inside and experience a structure shaped by history and held by the land.
Positioned beside the estate’s helipad, the Stables mark a unique point of arrival. Here, past and present converge — welcoming guests to Ampersand Estates from above, and offering a first glimpse into the story of the land below.
Once a working building, the Stables have been thoughtfully repurposed into a romantic setting for weddings and celebrations. Today, couples gather here to mark their most meaningful moments, creating memories that become part of the estate’s continuing story.
Located across the riverside lake, this historic monument is just a short walk from the Cellar Door. Set on the banks of the Donnelly River and beside our pristine helipad, it offers a striking blend of heritage and landscape. Whether you’re seeking a photo-worthy backdrop, a quiet moment of reflection, or a deeper connection to the estate’s history, the Stables are an ideal stop to elevate your visit.
