A signature South Australian experience.
From humble beginnings to a thriving enterprise.
In the heart of South Australia's history, a tale of craftsmanship and excellence unfolds with Joachim Matthias "J.M." Wendt. Born in 1830, Wendt journeyed from Holstein to South Australia, forging a path that would see him become a renowned silversmith and jeweller. His inaugural venture in 1852 on Adelaide's Pirie Street was just the beginning of a legacy synonymous with quality and artistry.
Honoured with a Royal Appointment as “Jeweller to His Royal Highness in the Colony of South Australia” in 1867 during Prince Alfred’s visit to South Australia, this prestigious recognition not only elevated his business but also became a symbol of the exceptional quality and prestige of Wendt’s work
Wendt’s contribution to South Australia can be seen in a number of our iconic locations including the Adelaide Arcade and Prince Alfred College. His legacy lives on with Oceanview Eco Villas hosts Tim and Tamsin Wendt, who house a significant collection of South Australian Wendt history at their Kangaroo Island property, together with the only remaining opportunity to commission your own Wendt’s original piece.
At Oceanview Eco Villas, this legacy of luxury and quality is elegantly reflected. Nestled in the picturesque setting of Kangaroo Island, Oceanview Eco Villas is where history meets contemporary sustainable
luxury. It's a place where the Wendt family's dedication to craftsmanship and excellence in luxury continues to thrive.
luxury. It's a place where the Wendt family's dedication to craftsmanship and excellence in luxury continues to thrive.
YOUR HOSTS
our hosts, Tim and Tamsin Wendt, have
cherished Kangaroo Island for over a decade. Tim, with his rich background in
retail, including serving as the Managing Director of Wendt’s Jewellers, and
experience in tour guiding, pairs perfectly with Tamsin's expertise as a
Clinical Psychologist, who pioneered the island's first psychology practice,
and a phenomenal cook.
Together, their mission is to ensure a seamless, relaxing, and memorable stay. They believe in balancing meaningful and exceptional Kangaroo Island experiences with time to relax. Our tours, capped at 7.5 hours, allow guests to explore Kangaroo Island while also enjoying the luxury and retreat of their accommodation. Their goal is for you to leave rejuvenated with memories of an exceptional and personalised Kangaroo Island experience.
We invite you to immerse yourself in the legacy of the Wendt family at Oceanview Eco Villas, where history, luxury, and sustainable living blend to create an unparalleled experience. We look forward to welcoming you to Kangaroo Island, where the spirit of J. M. Wendt's legacy continues to inspire every stay.
Together, their mission is to ensure a seamless, relaxing, and memorable stay. They believe in balancing meaningful and exceptional Kangaroo Island experiences with time to relax. Our tours, capped at 7.5 hours, allow guests to explore Kangaroo Island while also enjoying the luxury and retreat of their accommodation. Their goal is for you to leave rejuvenated with memories of an exceptional and personalised Kangaroo Island experience.
We invite you to immerse yourself in the legacy of the Wendt family at Oceanview Eco Villas, where history, luxury, and sustainable living blend to create an unparalleled experience. We look forward to welcoming you to Kangaroo Island, where the spirit of J. M. Wendt's legacy continues to inspire every stay.
Reviews
Delicious meals, delightful hospitality, amazing views and fantastic wildlife. A world away from New York City. We will treasure our memories – until we return!!
Natasha, Rick and Clifford Stowe, New York, USA, Jan 2024
From the spectacular views to thoughtful menu that is planned for us daily, there is nothing quite like staying at the eco villas. Love having nature at our doorstep – clifftop drinks are a must, Thank you!
Sayher and Amelia Heffernan, Melb/ Singapore, March 2024
Dear Tam and Tim, on our 4 week Australia holidays the stay at your villa were the best days. Thank you very much for your great hospitality, the exquisite food and your warm care!
Daniel, Maria, Anna and Frida, South Tyrol, Italy, Feb 2024
Truly and experience to remember, “thank you for the food, you were amazing” (Charlie and Holly)”Food was outstanding, tours were something never to forget” (Teresa) “Villa, tours, food, service, everything,” Kangaroo Island has made a special place for our family, thank you.
David, Teresa, Charlie and Holly Carter, Denmark, Feb 2024
Where should we begin – Tam and Tim were wonderful most hospitable hosts. Views were amazing/ food was exquisite/ tours were superb. Best part of our trip to Australia and we loved playing with Katie – truly memorable experience!
Allan and Harlene Kaufman, Maryland USA, Feb 2024
Tamsin and Tim, words can’t express my deep appreciation for the wonderful hospitality, you are magic in the kitchen!
Bob Frazier, USA, Jan 2024
Thank you for your hospitality – our whole stay was outstanding and far exceeded our expectations. We enjoyed your company, your food, cocktails and the outstanding touring and beautiful accommodations. We will never forget this visit and hope to return. Our vacation was magical.
Alex Trinkoff and Jeff Schor, USA, Jan 2024
A truly unique experience up here on the eco hill with the most spectacular view we have ever seen. Your warm, personal professionalism made us feel home away from home! Exceptional cooking where adults and kids all indulged!
Alexanderson Family, Stockholm Sweden, Dec 2023
This has probably been the highlight of our 15 days Australia Family Trip – thank you so much! We had a magical stay, enjoyed every minute of it and love to come back!!
Jan and Juliane with Pauline and Flo, Germany, Dec 2023
A truly magical three days on this very special Island being pampered by our wonderful hosts. Beautiful food and wine. It may be a very long way from the UK but we really hope we will be back in the not too distant future. What a treat it was to spend time in this gorgeous villa – we’ll miss waking up to the spectacular views.
Charlie and Lulu Bott, London, Dec 2023
We stayed 4 nights in the Oceanview Villa. The view from the terrace is marvelous. We did much appreciate the breakfast, the 6 O Clock gin and the sumptuous dinners. Thank you Tam and Tim for the hospitality.
Urusula and Benjamin, Switzerland, Dec 2023
Ambience, food, hospitality and guiding not to mention scenery and kangaroos all first class. Thank you.
Mary and Gordon Morrison, Nov 2023
Dear Tim and Tamsin, Otto, Katie, Dakota and Joey, BE PROUD! You have done an amazing job of building a wonderful experience for people looking for a beautiful and grounding experience, like visiting a close friend, and lovely food! Thanks to you all, Also Sarah and Naomi, thank you for making us feel at home!
Zoltan and Cristina Csimma, Boston USA, Nov 2023
We are so grateful for our time on Kangaroo Island and at the Eco Villas. Tim and Tam were kind and thoughtful and knowledgeable and we had wonderful tours that they set up and delicious meals. Very relaxing and more than we could have dreamed or hoped for!
Lauren Rosenberg and Mindy Cohen, Philadelphia, USA, Oct 2023
An absolute wonderful visit to Kangaroo Island! The villas are spectacular. The wildlife is awe inspiring. The food is delectable and Tim and Tam could not be more gracious and delightful, thanks for a memorable holiday!
Stephanie and Jim Levey, October 2023
Thanks for a wonderful stay. A lifestyle I could become accustomed to!
Suzanne and Richard Tretheway, Oct 2023
Thank you Tim and Tam for being such lovely and amazing hosts! Not just for the amazing food… we loved to get to know you more as a couple! Very inspiring! Loved our stay here! A dream!
Lisa and Jonas. Nov 2023