Swan Valley Station has been the realisation of a dream for owner Jon Jessop, who bought the neglected Henley Brook property in January 2019, and set about transforming it into the popular venue it is today.
“Forest Road is such a pretty little rural street in the Swan Valley, with beautiful, unique Swan River frontages,” Jon says of the location’s appeal.
“The end of the street is lined with an avenue of olives that leads into our property. We have a quality water supply and rich fertile river flat soil perfect for the nursery, which hundreds of years ago was all flood plain.
“These days the river never floods more than one quarter of the way onto the property and nowhere near the house and business.”
First, Jon renovated the two-storey house that some may remember as Hanson’s Bed and Breakfast, then moved his family in for Christmas 2019.
Jon could see the promise in the property’s established trees, existing stables and animal yards, restaurant with verandah, and landscaped entry and gardens.
So, over the next six months set his eyes on renovating these and turning the disused restaurant into the gift shop and cafe.
With the addition of the huge playground as a central focus, Swan Valley Station was ready to open on June 1, 2020.
The marron lake and sculpture trail opened in May 2022.
Although Swan Valley Station is a little off the beaten track, that is part of what appealed to Jon.
“It was the ability to develop our brand, that we are a ‘hidden secret’ off the main road and worth finding,” he says.
“And once found, we are a location and destination where you can sit, relax, unwind, and enjoy the Swan Valley.
“The whole family will enjoy it, from little ones in the extensive playground to seniors on the verandah enjoying their Devonshire tea or coffee with homemade scones.”
Meet
Jon
Jon is passionate tourism operator and entrepreneur with business interests around WA. He is also the Chair of the Swan Valley Tourism Alliance.
What you may not know is Jon is a qualified horticulturalist.
After years of operating accommodation properties, Swan Valley Station was supposed to be Jon’s chance to slow down with “a small business and just a few staff”.
But it hasn’t gone to plan, with Swan Valley Station quickly becoming one of the Valley’s most popular venues for families and seniors alike.
“For years I was always keen to return to my original qualification, a Diploma of Horticulture from Burnley Horticultural College, Melbourne,” Jon says.
“After I qualified, I took a ‘short’ gap year holiday and got side-tracked into the tourism industry and never really used my diploma from 40 years ago!”
If you have any gardening questions, Jon is the person to ask.
Meet
Brooke
Brooke is the friendly face you will see most days behind the counter of Swan Valley Station.
She started work at Swan Valley Station as a casual barista and was quickly promoted to supervisor and now manager.
Jon says Brooke’s strong work ethic and high standards make her a great asset to the whole operation.
As manager, she’s the Swan Valley Station all-rounder – barista, animal wrangler, phone answerer, merchandiser, party coordinator, and everything in between.
Brooke’s background is in childcare and that goes hand in hand with most days at Swan Valley Station!
She is ably assisted in keeping things running at Swan Valley Station by her partner, Evan.