Platform 1 Heritage Farm to reopen as function space to showcase Adelaide Hills heritage

A popular railway-based Littlehampton tourist attraction is set to return in a whole new form.

Liebelt Farm in Littlehampton, which previously operated as Platform 1 Heritage Farm Railway, will reopen as a private function centre.

A popular Hills tourist attraction is looking to reopen its gates to the public as a private function and events centre.

The owners of former tourism business Platform 1 Heritage Farm Railway in Littlehampton have lodged a development application with Mount Barker District Council to change the use of the site from farm building to function centre.

The property at 156 Junction Road has been sitting idle since 2017, when owner Glenn Liebelt ceased operation of the once successful train lovers haven for families and railway enthusiasts.

Sisters Amanda and Rebekah Liebelt at the former Platform 1 Heritage Farm Railway in Littlehampton which will be given a new lease on life with the owner's seeking to re-open the once popular tourism destination as a function space. Picture: Naomi Jellicoe

He has now passed on management of the property to his three children Amanda, Rebecca and Jonathan Liebelt, who will spearhead the new chapter of the 169-year-old farm.

“Each generation in our family has done their own thing on the farm and for Mum and Dad that was Platform 1 and the train,” Amanda said.

“For us, it will be functions and people being able to hire out the property for events.

“So going forward, it’s going to be more about the heritage aspect of the farm, which is something that has always attracted people here alongside the train.”

One of the original settlers of Hahndorf, the Liebelt family migrated from Prussia to South Australia in the mid 1830s.

Glenn Liebelt with his pet sheep "Tina" in 2013. Picture: Tricia Watkinson.

In 1852, they purchased 200 acres of land in Littlehampton, of which 70 acres still remain in the hands of the family.

“We’re so proud of our history here and our beautiful old buildings and just really want to show that off to the public again,” Amanda said.

“We have this beautiful old Chaff house, built in 1880, which is one of the original buildings on the property.

“It’s been newly renovated and set up as a heritage function centre for up to 100 people.

”The farm yard has also been reopened, so that’s lawn space and we can have people there for beautiful outdoor ceremonies as well as this beautiful large Acorn tree which is ideal for summer.

“So the idea really is to do the property justice as it is one of the oldest in the region and not being able to share that with people, it would just be so sad.”

For bookings visit liebeltfarm.com.au