Hahndorf, the lifestyle town with prestige properties priced in the low $1 millions

Smoked beer, triple ale, doppelbock, saison and stout – name a type of beer and you’re likely to find it in one of the pubs, breweries or restaurants of Hahndorf.

Famous for being Australia’s oldest surviving German settlement, the Adelaide Hills town is heaven for beer lovers, but there’s a lot more on offer than froth and ale.

Jason Duffield has spent most of his life in Hahndorf and says that beyond the thousands of day trippers who come for the craft brews and European architecture, you’ll find a strong sense of community and an amazing array of talent among the locals.

“You’re really living in a town with one of the most unique main streets in Australia,” he says. “There’s not another main street that has the quality and diversity of shops.

“We have butchers, bakers, candle makers, leather makers, chocolate makers, cheese makers, fishmongers, jewellers and painters.”

Meet the makers 

Duffield is at pains to point out that the produce is handmade, not “off the shelf from China”.

He says these unique, independent stores quite often have their makers behind the counter.

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Along with great breweries, Hahndorf also plays host to five cellar doors along the main street.

“The Hills has really expanded as a high-quality wine-growing region and the cellar doors celebrate the local produce,” says Duffield.

As chairman of the Hahndorf Business & Tourism Association and head of several local businesses, including The Haus and the Hahndorf Accommodation Group, Duffield has plenty of reason to spend time in the town centre, but he encourages visitors and locals alike to look further afield after soaking up the charms of the main street.

“Once you’ve appreciated the beauty of Main Street, you should get out into the Hills around Hahndorf,” he says.

“Within three minutes’ drive, you’re surrounded by ancient gum trees that have been made famous by [late local artist] Sir Hans Heysen.”

Prime position 

The picturesque town is positioned just 25 minutes’ drive from the centre of the Adelaide CBD. Adam Bruzzone / SATC

Toop & Toop agent Matt Kenny says Hahndorf is well positioned at just 25 minutes’ drive from the centre of the Adelaide CBD and five minutes to Mount Barker, which is one of the fastest growing areas in Australia and forecast to grow from a population of 35,499 to one of 56,710 by the year 2036.

“Hahndorf is a state heritage area and won’t be developed, yet you’ve got brilliant freeway access,” he says. “It’s a perfect place to be in the Hills – it offers a country lifestyle with every urban convenience.”

Buying in

Toop & Toop are selling this grand property at 24 Storey Road, Hahndorf SA. Photo: Supplied

Set on more than one hectare of established gardens with a tennis court and large paddock, this architect-designed home at 24 Storey Road caters beautifully for the entertainer.

There’s a billiards room, a home theatre, a central conservatory and an outdoor terrace.

The elegant dining and living rooms are warmed by a double-sided fireplace.

Toop & Toop SA are marketing the property with a guide of $1.295 million to $1.35 million. 

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