Old White House Cafe in Dunsandel Hits Market for $695,000

The iconic White House Cafe, located at 1887 Selwyn Lake Rd in Dunsandel, is now on the market, with offers starting from $695,000. Owner Hilda De Buyzer announced the sale, highlighting the enduring popularity of the cafe even after its closure in 2016. Tourists continue to seek out the site, often in search of the beloved Devonshire tea that the cafe was known for during its operational years.

De Buyzer and her husband acquired the property in 2004, having relocated from Australia. The White House Cafe first opened its doors in 1952 and served as a cherished pit stop for travelers for approximately 50 years. “I had my eye on it, and I said, ‘oh please’. I did like the property – it was a big property,” De Buyzer reflected on her initial attraction to the cafe. After purchasing it, she ran the establishment for a decade, catering to a steady stream of customers with cream teas and sandwiches.

The cafe became especially popular among retirement villages in Christchurch, which organized trips for their residents. De Buyzer fondly recalled her interactions with notable figures, including former All Blacks player Sir John Kirwan and ex-Invercargill mayor Sir Tim Shadbolt. She described Kirwan as “a very nice guy,” recounting how he reached out after the 2011 earthquake to check on her well-being.

Despite its success, De Buyzer closed the cafe in 2016, citing challenges in staffing, the demands of working six days a week, and a personal injury. Since then, she has maintained ownership of the property, making occasional visits from her home in Darfield to tend to the lawns and stay in a converted cottage on site. “The wildlife is amazing – the birds and the possums. It’s time for another person to enjoy it,” she said.

Real estate agent Leana Butler from Tall Poppy remarked on the cafe’s continued recognition. “There aren’t a lot of properties where you can run an enterprise like that and actually buy it outright,” Butler stated, emphasizing the unique opportunity this listing presents. “Most restaurants are leasing their buildings. So, here’s an incredible opportunity to buy the whole property, and it is only the same sort of price as a house would be.”

The sale of the White House Cafe marks a significant moment for the Dunsandel community, as it transitions from one chapter to another. With its rich history and the fond memories it holds for many, the property awaits a new owner who can continue its legacy.