The original Seaview in 1924

Flo Ellson first established Seaview Guest House in a rented weatherboard building on Chapman Terrace, Kingscote, in 1924. With her brother Jack's help, she built the new Seaview Guest House in 1929, out of the limestone rock upon which the town of Kingscote sits.

In 1947, her son Ivan, with his wife Mavis and sons Bernie, Barry, John and Peter moved to Kangaroo Island to take over the running of Seaview from Flo. In this time, Ivan built new furniture to replace the second hand pieces that Flo had used in the early days. The whole family pitched in to landscape the property. During this time, two more additions to the family were born, Malcolm and Carolyn.

In 1964 Ivan, Mavis and family, with a proud Flo looking on, opened Kangaroo Island's first motel, on the site of the original weatherboard Seaview. Peter joined the business in 1966 as a partner, and in 1970 the family built another motel wing and upgraded many of the services.

In 1993 Peter and his wife Jeanene established Flo's Bar, an interesting little spot near the dining room and lounge and decorated with memorabilia of Flo's and of the early days of Kingscote.

Ivan and Peter have now retired. Peter's younger brother Malcolm managed Seaview from 1996 until 2001 when the business was leased to Cherylle Glenister.

Bobby and Tim Waller took over the lease in October 2003.

Historical Photos of Seaview