CABN launches nine new cabins at Hans Heysen’s The Cedars in Hahndorf

A personal sauna, crackling fire and spectacular scenery await guests at this off-grid haven — but the real treat is that it’s just minutes from the best the Hills has to offer.

CABN X at Hahndorf is the newest luxury accommodation offering for the Adelaide Hills. Picture: CABN

As far as “switching off” goes, this writer’s best efforts usually sit somewhere between reducing screen time to six hours per day and spending half an hour thinking about opening a good book. 

It was with scepticism, excitement and a heavy sigh of mental relief, then, that a short drive up the hill on a Friday afternoon landed us among rolling native trees, rustling birds and a digital detox haven that banishes the city hustle and bustle to distant memory.

We’re at the newest CABN X – aptly named Hans – that’s one of nine new
short-stay eco cabins at famed landscape artist Sir Hans Heysen’s historic 13ha The Cedars property at Hahndorf.

As has been CABN’s hallmark since 2017, an eco-minded approach is at the heart of the development. Each cabin runs off solar electricity, including reverse cycle cooling and a ceiling fan for the warmer months, and an additional 1100 trees were planted on the site in consultation with the Native Land Council to encourage biodiversity.

It’s clearly paid off. As we drove up to the accommodation, a mob of curious kangaroos pricked their ears at our approaching vehicle.

While the charcoal grey shipping container is unassuming from the outside, to describe what lies behind the floor-to-ceiling glass sliding doors of the cabin as luxurious would be an understatement.

Floor-to-ceiling windows give full view of the cabin’s native surrounds. Picture: CABN

The warmth of emerald throw blankets on the impressive king bed was enticing early, as was the walk past the kitchen’s coffee machine and fridge to the full-sized bathroom, complete with generous bath and waterfall shower.

But all of the week’s worries really melted – or, sweated – away as we opened the final door of the Tardis-like CABN, revealing a personal sauna ready to steam us into the evening.

But it’s not just about relaxation. The site is a picturesque stroll from Hans Heysen and his Archibald Prize-winning daughter Nora’s must-visit studios, which feature some 200 original works of art between them, and a short drive from some of the Hills’ most decadent food and wine offerings.

A grilled leek and confit garlic sourdough slathered in whipped goats curd at new restaurant and distillery Ondeen, opened at the former Maximilian’s winery site, proved the perfect pre-game for a night in.

Back at the CABN, there’s the option for breakfast to be supplied, to be enjoyed under the skylight – which can be opened with the touch of a button from the comfort of bed – or on the personal picnic deck.

The 13ha site is an off-grid haven, just a short stroll from the Hans Heysen’s historic studio and home. Picture: CABN

What’s the longest you can spend in a sauna? Asking for a friend … Picture: CABN

But, with trips up the hill a rare occasion, we couldn’t resist a stroll down Hahndorf’s historic main street before popping to Rise Artisan Bakery to sample a few too many flaky, buttery wares.

The Cedars becomes the sixth destination in SA for CABN, which also offers its accommodation on Kangaroo Island, in the Barossa Valley, Clare Valley, McLaren Vale and Kuitpo Forest.

The only downside to the ambitious development is proximity to other CABN-goers which, while not so close as to feel like an imposition, does make the experience feel slightly less private than the company’s other off-grid offerings.

But with the chance to switch off served on a silver platter just 30 minutes from the Adelaide CBD – and a weekend spent in nothing but eco-minded bliss surrounded by a touch of cultural history – the trade feels more than fair.

The writer stayed at The Cedars as a guest of CABN

CABN Hahndorf prices start at $315 a night based on a two-night stay, while CABN X starts at $545 a night on weekdays to $745 on weekends.

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