The charming White House Cafe in Canterbury, once frequented by renowned poet Sam Hunt, is now available for purchase after nearly a decade of closure. Located on Selwyn Lake Rd in Dunsandel, this iconic property is being offered for offers over $695,000.
Originally opened in 1952, the White House Cafe became a popular spot for travelers over its 50-year operation. Owner Hilda De Buyzer and her husband acquired the property in 2004, with De Buyzer running the cafe for the next decade serving cream teas and sandwiches to a loyal clientele.
Famous visitors like Sam Hunt, Sir John Kirwan, and Sir Tim Shadbolt added to the cafe’s allure, with De Buyzer forming friendships with many of them. However, in 2016, De Buyzer made the difficult decision to close the cafe due to staffing challenges and personal reasons.
Now, the property is seeking a new owner to breathe new life into it. Real estate agent Leana Butler highlights the potential for the property to be revived as a cafe, gift shop, wedding venue, or restaurant. With resource consent already in place, the opportunities are endless for someone looking to own a piece of Canterbury’s history.
The tranquil surroundings of the property, teeming with wildlife, offer a unique setting for a new owner to create their own legacy. Don’t miss this chance to own a piece of New Zealand’s history at the White House Cafe.
