History

Established in 1878 and farmed to provide produce for the township of Lorne, historic ‘Allenvale' is one of the Great Ocean Road's best kept secrets.

‘Rose' and ‘Kero' cottages are original timber-mill houses constructed to house local millers and there families. Lovingly restored to their original character, they are located on the banks of the St. George River.

‘Gables' and ‘Riverbank' are traditionally built houses sitting on the banks of the Henderson Creek.

‘Dalways' circa 1872 is perhaps Lorne's oldest house and was relocated and restored and is home to your hosts; Sarah, Corey and family.

Originally named Louttit Bay after a sea captain, Lorne was renamed in 1871 after the Marquis of Lorne who married Queen Victoria's daughter.

Attention was drawn to Lorne in 1850 when it became a port of timber trade. The first settlers came in 1853 when they used the district for a cattle run.

The town of Lorne grew rapidly and tourism expanded greatly when better access was built with the opening of the Great Ocean Road in 1924.

Lorne's early industries included both fishing and logging but neither had a long popularity. Tourism once again grew rapidly after WW2 and large hotels and guesthouses were built in and around the town to cope with the growing number of tourists.

Established in 1878 and farmed to provide fresh produce for Lorne, Allenvale is perhaps one of Lorne's oldest establishments.