The property has been owned for close to thirty years by the Anketall family, whose combined talents of a cabinet maker/builder and potter, have created a complex with a relaxed and pleasing atmosphere. The property was a derelict dairy and they saw it as an ideal location to live and to practice their professions. In 1980 Flaxton Gardens Pottery opened, along with a kiosk and craft shop.

In 1984 the construction of the larger building was completed and this is where Flaxton Crafts operated. The wine tasting and sales area opened in 1997. Although the initial aim was a working winery with requests from the general public, they saw the true potential of the property was in the hospitality industry. It was then run for wedding ceremonies and receptions.



Alan and Georgina Thompson, the new owners, wish to continue to build upon the foundations already laid of this Sunshine Coast iconic property and see it reach its full potential as a destination hospitality venue. [Hinterland Times Article]

Alan and Georgina come to Flaxton Gardens with vast experience in the hospitality trade. Alan trained as a chef in New Zealand and then traveled to England to further his cooking career. After working in many high caliber establishments he met wife Georgina, and they opened their first restaurant 755 in Fulham, London.

Following this they moved to the heart of the Cotswold countryside where they purchased The Royalist Hotel - authenticated in the Guinness book of records as the oldest Inn in England. 947AD. There they held three rosettes and operated for five years before moving to Australia with two children.

Now, with the help of their latest arrival (Sarah age 2) they are ready for their new venture to begin.




Australian Bridal Industry Academy Awards (ABIA)

• 2010 Finalist, Reception Centre, Qld
• 2010 Finalist, Ceremony Reception, Qld

Alan and I were thrilled to attend the 12th Queensland Annual Bridal Industry Awards hosted by The Australian Bridal Industry Academy at The Park Royal in Brisbane. The ABIA’s are a much sought-after Award for Australian wedding suppliers as they are determined by the votes of past brides. Flaxton Gardens were nominated for the ABIA based on the quality of product, quality of service, value for money and the attitude of the staff who serviced the bride’s needs, before, during and after their wedding day.

As we have only been a member of ABIA for the past six months and only recently opened we were thrilled to be part of these elite awards.

The Chairman of the ABIA, Mr. John O' Meara congratulated us on the achievement as a Finalist of Reception Centre category and Ceremony Venue. Mr. O' Meara said that Flaxton Gardens should be extremely proud of the achievement especially when one considers that 1,571 wedding suppliers were nominated for the awards.

Mr. O' Meara went onto say that it was business like Flaxton Gardens which complimented and elevated the wedding industry with their attention to detail, pride, passion and professional manner in which they delivered their wedding product to the customer.

Alan and I truly believe that your wedding day is unique to you and your ideas and dreams need to be the foundation to the planning.


Coordinator and proprietor.