The original two-storey hotel building was the central rectangular section with the two gable fronted wings added later, at right angles to each end. The central section has a projecting verandah/balcony across its full width. The hotel is constructed in local bluestone with brick quoins.
Richard Bell, founder of the township of Bellevue, built the first section of this hotel in 1857 and named it the Clifton. From 1864-1882, probably due to the massive population exodus from the region, the hotel fell into disuse and became unlicensed.
Thomas Hardy purchased the hotel in the early 1880's, added a wing at each end, named it the Bellevue and turned it into a 'wine and refreshment shop'. He used this hotel as his headquarters when he visited his winery at the town.
Photo(s) courtesy of: Bruce Harry and Associates (2007) and City of Onkaparinga Libraries.
Hotel - view from southwest (JPG, 42KB)
Hotel - view from southeast (JPG, 34KB)
Bellevue Hotel, McLaren Vale, S. Aust., circa 1907. Looking south-east along the main street. (JPG, 47KB)
208-212 Main Road, McLaren Vale 5171 View Map
208-212 Main Road , McLaren Vale 5171