Canterbury’s White House Cafe is now on the market nearly a decade after shutting its doors to customers.
The Selwyn Lake Rd property in Dunsandel is listed for sale with offers invited above $695,000.
In a conversation with OneRoof, owner Hilda De Buyzer said the cafe’s fame lingered well after closing, as tourists continued arriving in hopes of Devonshire tea.
The White House Cafe opened in 1952 and ran for around 50 years as a favoured stopover for travellers.
De Buyzer and her husband purchased the property in 2004 after moving from Australia. They served cream teas and sandwiches to a steady flow of customers.
“It was very popular,” she said, adding that Christchurch retirement villages organised trips there for residents.
De Buyzer shut the cafe permanently in 2016, blaming staff shortages, the strain of six-day weeks, and a personal injury.
She retained the property, popping in occasionally from their Darfield home with her husband to mow the lawns and stay in a converted cottage at the rear.
Now, De Buyzer feels the moment is right for a new owner to make their mark on the property.
“The wildlife is amazing – the birds and the possums.”
“It’s time for another person to enjoy it.”
Tall Poppy listing agent Leana Butler said the property holds resource consent for a cafe and gift shop, letting a new owner revive the beloved spot. It could also serve as a wedding venue or restaurant.