This Sapphire Coast accommodation is a real gem

Sep 05, 2025

This Sapphire Coast accommodation is a real gem

We take pride in offering you truly unique accommodation experiences — and few are as memorable as the 4-day, pack-free guided walk along the Sapphire Coast’s Light to Light trail.

Over the course of the adventure, you’ll stay all three nights at the charming Seahorse Inn, a boutique hotel set on the tranquil shores of Twofold Bay. This elegant retreat combines modern comforts with timeless character, and its rich history adds another layer to the experience.

The Seahorse Inn was originally constructed in the 1840s by Scottish entrepreneur Benjamin Boyd, who envisioned it as the centrepiece of Boydtown — the heart of his ambitious pastoral and whaling empire. Arriving in Australia in 1842 aboard his schooner Wanderer, Boyd was full of grand plans for prosperity. The Inn opened its doors in 1843, but when Boyd’s fortunes declined, the building was soon abandoned and left to deteriorate.

For nearly 100 years, the once-stately Inn suffered the effects of time, neglect, and vandalism. In 1936, Richard Whiter, a holiday park operator from Victoria, began a partial restoration. However, his efforts were interrupted by the outbreak of World War II and personal setbacks.

Rocky beach landscape featuring striking red rocks on sandy shores under a cloudy sky, with turquoise waves crashing gently in the background—truly reminding us that life's an adventure waiting to be explored.

It wasn’t until decades later that the Inn would finally be revived. In the early 2000s, Sydney property developer Bruce Lyon took on the challenge, restoring the building to its former glory. With the support of architect Brian Dowling and historical photos provided by the Whiter family, the restoration was completed in 2006.

Today, the Seahorse Inn stands as a beautifully restored heritage hotel, offering guests not only comfort and style, but also a meaningful connection to the Sapphire Coast’s colonial and maritime legacy.

On Sale Prices… Prices from $2399 per person