Lucent Art House Adelaide Hills review | SA’s Great Travel Planner

Surround yourself with paintings, photos, sculptures and more at this Adelaide Hills gem.

Wouldn’t it be nice to rest your head in an art gallery? This is as close to that creative dream as you’ll get.

Lucent Art House owner Amy Sierp-Worth has art on the brain. As founding director of Worth Gallery she has spent most of her life bringing beautiful works of visual art to people.

She also loves the Adelaide Hills (she and her hubby Oli Sierp grew up in the leafy region). That’s why they combined the best of both worlds and built this impressive boutique accommodation offering next to their home in Stirling.

It’s visually impressive, both inside and out. It’s no wonder really; Oli runs family business Lucent Constructions, which was responsible for the building. Externally, it’s all stern lines and hard edges, while, inside, sleek modern surfaces and plenty of natural light allow a backdrop for Worth Gallery’s art collection to shine (think contemporary collector’s items by the likes of the late artist Annette Bezor and painter David Bromley). The precious pieces sit atop kitchen benches, in bathrooms, on tables, and hang on walls. Locally made furniture adds to the celebration of South Australian creatives.

“I want people to experience the art close-up,” Amy says. “To really live with it.”

Every creative creation is available for purchase. It’s temptation at its best.

A choice of three private, self-contained spaces tick all the boxes. The Tree House, Pool Room and Snug vary in size (as the name suggests, The Snug is best suited to couples, the Pool Room is located closest to the mineral lap pool and The Tree House is a large two-bedroom apartment). They’re all framed by large silver birch and oak trees, and can be rented separately or combined for larger group bookings.

Lucent Art House accommodation, Stirling. Picture: Katie Spain

We opted for The Tree House, seduced by the sunset balcony, large private leafy deck, barbecue and long dining table that seats 12-to-13 people. Not that we used it. Instead, a short walk led us to the main street where a short stop for a sundowner at Stirling Cellars and Patisserie turned into an exploration of their new menu. It was so good we returned the next morning for coffee and pastries. The following night, we delved into the seafood menu at up-market Stirling fish and chip shop Angler. Wow. The main street is also home to sweet gift stores, an ice-creamery, and Matilda Bookshop – one of the best book stores in South Australia.

If you time your visit right, Lucent Art House is a short stroll from the monthly Stirling & Laneways Market. The Adelaide Hills Sculpture Trail and Nature Trail are also nearby, as is the quaint town of Hahndorf and plenty of cellar doors.

Or, stock up on tasty snacks and hole up for the duration. The fully equipped Tree House has everything you need for a mini-break. Access to the shared pool and spa (booking ahead is essential for the spa facility) adds a certain wow factor.

Peruse the art while staying at Lucent Art House accommodation, Stirling. Picture: Katie Spain

The couple has the elements covered. The buildings feature double glazed air locked windows and doors, and hydronic under floor heating and cooling, and reverse-cycle airconditioning. Add fitted block out curtains and blinds to the mix and you’ve got the recipe for sleep-in heaven.

This is an impressive addition to the Adelaide Hills landscape and the family’s love of their beautiful suburb and for the art world are written all over the spectacular abode. It is a canvas worth exploring.

Reviews are unannounced and paid for by SAWeekend.

This review was first published in November 2020 and details updated in March 2021.

• 1 Bilney Road, Stirling
• 0431 187 558
• lucentarthouse.com.au
• LOCATION Stirling is a quaint Adelaide Hills town approximately 15km southeast of Adelaide’s CBD.
• ACCOMMODATION The Tree House is a large apartment with two bedrooms a spacious living room and dining table for 13. The Pool House studio apartment has a queen bed and a couch that can be made up as a king or twin. It also has a private courtyard, The Snug is a spacious studio apartment with an open-plan living room, a king bed and a couch that opens up to be a king or twin beds. There’s also a leafy courtyard with a fire pit.
• FACILITIES Wi-Fi, dryer, iron, laptop-friendly workspace, airconditioning, heating, a washing machine, linen, towels, free parking, a pool, hot tub, kitchen with cooking basics, hairdryer, hangers, shower gel. Long-term stays are allowed.
• PRICE Pool House $330/night 4 guests · Studio · 2-3 beds. Tree House $360/night 5 guests · 2 bedrooms · 3 beds · 1 bath Snug $290/night 4 guests · Studio · 4 beds · 1 bath