Iconic White House Cafe in Dunsandel Listed for Sale

The historic White House Cafe, located at 1887 Selwyn Lake Rd in Dunsandel, has been listed for sale with offers starting at $695,000. Owner Hilda De Buyzer expressed that the cafe’s legacy continues to attract visitors, even after its closure in 2016. Despite no longer operating, many tourists still arrive seeking the famed Devonshire tea.

De Buyzer and her husband purchased the property in 2004 after moving from Australia. The café initially opened its doors in 1952 and quickly became a beloved stop for travelers, operating for approximately 50 years. Reflecting on her time running the establishment, De Buyzer recalled, “I had my eye on it, and I said ‘oh please’. I did like the property – it was a big property.”

For a decade, she managed the cafe, serving cream teas and sandwiches to a loyal clientele. De Buyzer noted that retirement villages in Christchurch frequently organized outings for their residents to visit the cafe. She maintained connections with many patrons, including local figures and former officials. “We used to either write to each other or ring each other,” she shared, recalling a time when local poet Hunt called her after the 2011 earthquake to ensure she was safe.

While her tenure at the cafe was filled with fond memories, De Buyzer ultimately closed its doors due to challenges in staffing, the demands of working six days a week, and personal health issues. Since then, she has kept the property, occasionally visiting from their home in Darfield to maintain the grounds and enjoy the vibrant wildlife. “The wildlife is amazing – the birds and the possums. It’s time for another person to enjoy it,” she remarked.

The property listing, managed by Tall Poppy agent Leana Butler, emphasizes the unique opportunity for potential buyers. “The cafe remains well known, despite its closure in 2016,” Butler stated. She highlighted the rarity of being able to purchase a property outright for a business, as most restaurant operators typically lease their locations.

“This is an incredible opportunity to buy the whole property, and it is only the same sort of price as a house would be,” Butler added. The potential for a new owner to revive the cafe’s legacy or create a different enterprise in this well-established location makes it an attractive prospect for interested buyers.