CABN to build nine off-grid eco cabins at Sir Hans Heysen’s historic The Cedars property at Hahndorf
Sir Hans Heysen’s historic Hahndorf home The Cedars will pump up its tourism offering with the addition of nine eco-cabins on site.
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Several short stay eco cabins will be built at Sir Hans Heysen’s historic The Cedars property at Hahndorf in a bid to develop a unique tourism experience.
Development approval has been granted to CABN – an SA-founded, leading off-grid nature tourism provider – to build nine of their cabins on the 13ha property, off Heysen Rd just north of Hahndorf.
The development of the cabins and future planned tours is part of the broader expansion program at The Cedars, including a new multimillion-dollar gallery, funded via $9m from the broader $680m 10-year Adelaide City Deal first struck back in 2019.
The Mount Barker Council last year granted approval for construction of the $9m gallery, shop and bushfire-proof art storage space after two earlier designs in 2018 and 2021 failed to come to fruition.
The gallery will display works from revered landscape artist Sir Hans Heysen and his daughter Nora, who called The Cedars home in the early 1900s, and their private collection of art.
The CABN accommodation is expected to be available for travellers from around the middle of this year.
CABN founder and chief executive Michael Lamprell hailed the project as significant for Australian and international tourism.
“We’re really proud to be part of a team investing in a special chapter of Australian history and building a unique tourism asset that will attract millions of visitors to South Australia,” he said.
“Visitors can stay and explore the studios of Hans and artist daughter Nora Heysen, the Heysen residence, the new gallery, and immerse themselves in the nature setting Sir Hans Heysen adored, loved, lived and painted.”
Mr Lamprell said a planned stage two of the project, which would be subject to grant funding, would incorporate a communal space and set it up for group use, special events, small conferences and retreats.
“Our intention is to complement the historic elements of the site with Indigenous tours, walking and cycling itineraries for small groups enhancing the already extensive cultural tourism offering by The Cedars, and keeping visitors in the region for longer,” he said.
Hahndorf 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 nine eco cabins at Hahndorf, which will be a mix of standard CABNs and their luxury CABN X offering, will take the company’s total stable of cabins in SA to 40.
Hans Heysen Foundation chair James Sexton described CABN as the perfect fit to share the experience at The Cedars with more travellers.
“We’re already seeing demand for this type of tourism experience with local tour operators for small to medium size groups which will be the ideal touring option as we continue to sensitively preserve this historic icon,” he said.
Kool Tours owner Mark Koolmatrie said incorporating Indigenous culture and history into the The Cedars tourism experience was a cause for celebration.
“Our local Indigenous guides and tourism operators are excited to share their stories and legends of this land in the Adelaide Hills,” he said.
Tourism Minister Zoe Bettison said the development would further put the Adelaide Hills on the map.
Bookings for CABN at Hahndorf are expected to open in the coming weeks.
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