the cedars

MamaBearOz

I've lived in South Australia most of my life and have just discovered this gem, only 20 minutes drive from my home! Artist, Hans Heysen, who introduced Australians to the gum tree, lived and worked in this idyllic location with his family for much of his life. The place is beautifully preserved and maintained, largely by enthusiastic volunteers. Go on a tour ($10 pp) and see Heysen's studio and home and a zillion pieces of art. Hear great stories (thanks, Julie!) and imagine the life of a successful artist with a great manager and advocate (his wife, Sally). The grounds are huge and the walks well organised. Well worth at least a half a day. There's no food available on site, but Hahndorf village is just a couple of kms away and there's plenty to choose from there. Go in the morning, leave for lunch and return - your entrance fee will give you access for the afternoon, too. Glad I live in Adelaide - I'll get to return often and really see this lovely place.

sarahmF7144WT

Visiting here was just great, his life and works were lovely, the house was left just as it was. It was really nice to hear that the family still has get togethers/reunions at the house, i don't blame them because it does feel like home! The studio was filled with great works. $10 for the full tour, but worth it :)

Aussiegirl64

A great place to come on a hot day, browsing the actual home that Hans Heysen lived in, plus his garden studio. Nice to see where he actually produce those famous paintings, and a nice house to look round for its own sake (not large, but interesting). I particularly liked the enclosed verandah with the louvred windows - would be sooo nice to sit here and read a book, and you can just feel the Heysen family having lovely Sunday lunches here.

BrianG87

This is truly fascinating. Please take the tour of Hans Heysen's home, so many beautiful paintings, and a very informative commentary by our guide.

803StephenW

Had a wonderful tour of the Heyson studio and house, Chris our guide was passionate and informative, you felt in the studio like you were back in the early century. Such a wonderful display of original Heyson art in the house. Congratulations to the family that preserves this part of Australian heritage.

wendywelding

Do take the guided tour ($10 per adult). We enjoyed a very informative guided walk through the studio and home of Hans Heysen and developed a deeper appreciation for his paintings.The garage has an old caravan which Hans Heysen used for his travels around Australia.

Bandicoots2013

A highlight for of our time in the Adelaide Hills (see Nomad171 blog) was visiting The Cedars, the home and studio of painter Hans Heysen, famous for his drawings and paintings of the Australian bush. Back in 2012 we retraced many of his outback painting trips in the Flinders Ranges after reading a biography of his life, so this showed another part of this amazing man’s creativity and perseverance. The Heysen home and gardens including his studio have been preserved by his family and local volunteers provide guided tours.Many of his original works are on display, but seeing his working studio was amazing. All of his painting materials and tools, sketches and notes have been preserved, and we stood on the piece of worn carpet exactly where he stood at his ease. Also amazing to see the car and camping trailer he used for his expeditions – possibly the first version of a pop top caravan!It was inspiring to learn more about his daughter Nora who was also a trailblazer – the first woman to win the Archibald Prize (and still the youngest person ever to win it) and the first female war artist. Just wonderful.

tonyw955

It's not often that you get to see where such a famous artist actually lived and did his work. His own studio and the landscape he painted nearby was just so very interesting. Recommended for those art lovers and history buffs in this world.

GeorgeC374

Lovely gardens , combined with the Heysens history. Wonderful knowledgeable volunteer in The Cedars gift shop. The Artist's walk and viewing of the studio was really interesting.

Tassie-ite

What a hidden treasure! I have been to Hahndorf before but this was the first time to The Cedars, I even managed it by public transport (bus) from Adelaide city then a walk.There are set tours, mine was the first at 11am and it was excellent, one needs to book a tour to see Hans Heyson's studio and inside the house, to wander the beautiful garden is, I think, free. My guide, a volunteer, was very informative on the Heyson family and we were able to see how Hans had developed his style, the work of his daughter Nora and to see many original pieces displayed in the beautiful family home. It was an absolute delight!

minonloso

For anyone with a mild interest in Australian art, a visit to the Cedars is a must! Hans Heysen's studio looks like he's just stepped out the door, and Nora's studio is a fascinating tho' very small collection of her artistic history. The display of more original artworks would make this venue significantly better value. The garden around the house is really lovely: it seems like the original designs and plantings have been maintained. The garden is a typical of the country gardens of mid/early 1900s - I loved it!

richardsP8800NF

The Cedars is the home of Hans Heysen (1877-1968), a German born artist. We visited earlier this year and were very impressed with not only the authentic preservation of his home and surrounds, but with the numerous art works that we saw. This is a quintessentially Australian experience! The range, quality and quantity of the artworks is astounding. These are found throughout the home and Heysen's studio and include works by Han's famous artist daughter Nora. Our knowledgable and passionate volunteer guide showed us through the studio, gardens and home - it felt as if Hans himself had just ducked out for a cup of tea as the place is just as his family would have lived in it - very authentic! This is a true Australian treasure and must not be missed!

171margw

The home of Hans Heysen and Nora Heysen, Artists studio set in a beautiful garden and park like country setting with wonderful gum trees Very interesting exhibitions and buildings beautifully preserved. A hidden gem and my most recommended out of state visitor must see. Charming, understated . Close to the tourist town of Hahndorf which has wineries and great cafes even if you are not interested in "touristy towns".

Tuko_Pomoja

We learnt a lot about Heysen, his art, setting up a studio and their lovely old house. The whole setup is gorgeous and the guides very knowledgeable and nice. A must see if you have any interest in art or artists.

NatureLover1954

Inside knowledge of the Heysen family, and the house is preserved as it was. As well as seeing the studio of our famous artist, the tour thus provides you with insight into family life in the early twentieth century. It was a very interesting side trip , given I was in the area. I also liked the introduction to Nora Heysen, of whose work I was unaware