Remarkable Regional Business Episode 40 - William Abbott, Mount William Station (Part One)

Описание: Remarkable Regional Business – Episode 40 (Part One)
Guest: William Abbott
Business Name: Mount William Station
Website: https://www.mountwilliamstation.com/

What happens when a century old family farm becomes the foundation for one of regional Victoria’s most distinctive luxury destination experiences?

In this episode of Remarkable Regional Business, host Caleb Maxwell sits down with William Abbott, the driving force behind Mount William Station. It is a boutique luxury hotel, dining experience, and events destination set on a historic working property in the Grampians.

William shares the journey of transforming a multi generation family property into a sustainable and future focused business, while balancing heritage, succession planning, hospitality, and commercial reality. From communal dining and farm to table experiences to global inspiration and partnerships that help solve seasonality, this conversation is full of practical insights that translate far beyond tourism and hospitality.

Topics Covered

/ Turning a family succession challenge into a destination business

William unpacks how a long and complex succession process led to a bold idea. Create a boutique hotel and events business that could preserve heritage buildings, generate income, and help keep the farm in the family, without compromising the agricultural foundations of the property.

/ Designing a guest experience that feels like home

From greeting guests at the door rather than at a reception desk, to shared meals inspired by family dinners, William explains how Mount William Station intentionally recreates the warmth and generosity of a family home, not a traditional hotel.

/ Farm to table dining with no set menu

The Mount William dining experience has no menu. Instead, guests enjoy chef led seasonal meals sourced from the garden, farm, and local producers, with each dish explained during service. The result is a dining experience built around connection, conversation, and story.

/ Solving seasonality through strategic partnerships

Rather than accepting quiet winter months, William shares how partnerships, including a multi day horse riding experience, transformed low occupancy periods into some of the busiest months of the year.

/ Thinking globally while building regionally

William explains how studying world class destination experiences helped set the benchmark for Mount William Station. It lifted standards, sharpened vision, and informed long term strategy.

/ Marketing a high commitment premium experience

With a remote location and a premium price point, William discusses why emotive storytelling, clarity of offer, and strong partnerships matter more than simply paying for attention.

/ Building high standards through culture and induction

In a regional setting, Mount William Station focuses on warmth, kindness, and genuine country hospitality. William shares how staff induction, cultural buy in, and a strong sense of purpose help maintain quality.

This is Part One of the conversation with William Abbott.

Go to Part Two next to hear more of the story and what is coming next for Mount William Station.