On the market this week is a newly-renovated country Hamptons lifestyle property in the Adelaide Hills, lovingly created by a local mother-and-son team.

Words Ben Kelly

On 5.5 hectares just outside of Hahndorf, “Fairview Rise” homestead is perched on a ridge that enjoys commanding views that stretch across rolling green hills and rows of vineyards to the Mount Lofty Ranges.

This week, Hahndorf’s Steve Pearce and his mother Sue are selling the home; a labour of love which they set about renovating and extending just over a year ago with the vision of a luxury Hamptons lifestyle property.

Together, Steve and Sue purchased the allotment and began designing a major renovation and extension to the original late-70s ranch-style home. Steve says the home was in good working order but was dated.

“It also didn’t capitalise on the property’s incredible views, so we set about changing that,” says Steve, who grew up in the Hills and is today the marketing manager at Hahndorf Resort.

“It’s the most beautiful piece of land and they don’t come up very often here in the hills. We wanted to get our hands on the property soon after we saw it,” he says.

The property gains its name of Fairview Rise from the spectacular sunrises, visible from the rear of the home each morning. “Sometimes you get up and you look out the windows and it’s like a postcard. You can get this film of mist settling across the valley, with the sun popping through. It’s beautiful,” Steve says.

The original structure was completely overhauled during the renovation to create what is essentially a new home, with the project designed and managed by Steve and Sue.

“We did occupy the home through most of the renovation, which had its challenges, but it’s also been exciting because we’ve been quite hands-on with the renovation. We’re very proud of it.”

The centrepiece of the design is the large family room with vaulted cathedral ceilings, opening through wrap-around bifold doors to a new alfresco area and fire pit, which makes the most of the sunrise over the Hills each morning.

The pitched ceiling style was replicated in the outdoor dining area and also the verandah at the front of the home. Bedrooms have been equipped with French doors that open to the outdoors for sublime views.

The property was designed to have a sense of openness, but without feeling too large. Steve ensured the home was equipped for those chilly Hills nights and mornings, with open fireplaces and double-glazed windows. The extension was built using Hebel, particularly for its thermal properties.

Both bathrooms feature luxury double showers and freestanding bathtubs, extensive large-format tiling and brushed gold tapware. The master en suite even boasts a floor-to-ceiling window with an atrium of greenery.

“You can sit in the bathtub there and even look up at the stars at night,” Steve says.

New spotted gum decking wraps around the home’s front and rear, where the firepit creates a perfect spot for entertaining. “The sunken firepit is awesome; it really captures those views and particularly in those wintery months of the year we’ve had some great times out there. It’s fantastic,” Steve says.

With its three paddocks, the property might suit a young family looking for a Hills tree-change, wanting a hobby farm or room to ride horses or motorbikes. The vendors have upgraded the fencing and landscaping while keeping it as a relatively blank canvas for a new owner.

“You can have your horses or a motorbike, have friends around for a bonfire with this incredible backdrop; whatever you’re doing it’s just a very pleasant place to be.”

Such an idyllic rural property so close to Hahndorf and Adelaide was one of the major attractions for Steve and Sue. The cellar doors, cafes, and restaurants of Hahndorf are just a short distance away.

“It’s one of those places where you can have had a stressful day, but when you come home it’s a breath of fresh air. We love the local community and the quintessential Hills lifestyle with picturesque undisrupted views,” Steve says.

“You can shoot up from the city in 30 minutes and you feel entirely a world away. The location is outstanding, and it is the most beautiful piece of land.”

A stone fireplace is the feature of the generous family room, with slow combustion heater and floating entertainment units. The kitchen is well-equipped with a butler’s pantry, Caesarstone benchtops, and European appliances.

A separate studio space could serve as a teenager’s retreat, private accommodation or working area.

The home is fitted out with oak timber flooring, plantation shutters, a 2.5kw solar power system, rainwater tank supplying the house, and a second bore-fed tank for irrigation.

“We will be very sad to leave. It is the type of home that you buy to live in forever.”

The sale is being handled by Dee-Anne Hunt of Williams Property.