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History of Hahndorf House

  • 1900's
    During the 1900's, and for more than 40 years thereafter, the land surrounding the creek and centuries old oak trees was a popular picnic spot for local residents and visitors to the area.
  • 1955
    One of the early owners was Martin Noske, who after many years, sold the property in 1955 to Herbert Gustav Spiller and his wife Yohanna Klera Spiller, in partnership with John Albert James Chambers and his wife Ann Elizabeth Ida Chambers. In the six years they owned the property, a re-subdivision was approved by the District Council of Mount Barker. A number of smaller buildings, large water tanks and water wells had been included on the property.
  • 1960's
    Today the only building remaining from the early 1950´s is Hahndorf House, a solid brick residence built by Friedrich Gerhard Ristau who lived on site for 10 years during the early sixties with his wife Ursula Louise Ottilie Ristau who then sold the property because his wife was homesick and the couple returned to Germany.
  • 1971
    The historic Hahndorf House was expanded in 1971 by new owners and skilled carpenter, Leon George Monk and his wife Joan, adding two new rooms to the beloved property.
  • 1976
    The property was then sold in 1976 to Bruno and Gertrude Andt. The creek was dug deeper and stone from the hills area was used to bank both sides of the properties.
  • 1980
    Brian and Kalliopi Davenport purchased the property in 1980 and sold it within six months to a retired engineer, Robert William Ewen.
  • 1988
    It was not until 1988 when the property was purchased by the late Rosslyn Selina Ingram that the true potential of the property was realised. She gave the contemporary style home the warm inviting character it now has. For some time a full time gardener was employed and the grounds were used for the occasional garden wedding, which proved very popular with local and city people.
  • 1995
    Rosslyn sold the property in 1995 to Margaret Ann Duffield and lived in Littlehampton until her untimely death in 1999.
  • 1998
    The property was purchased by Ed and Marg Kowalewski in 1998. The property had a number of uses over the past few years until the beginning of 2002 when it was totally renovated and refurbished.
  • 2002
    Hahndorf House gets a complete makeover.
  • 2005
    In 2005 two new residences were built on the property and today they are lovely, fully-self contained cottages.
  • 2007
    The property was sold in 2007 to Damir Jelic, a very enthusiastic person, willing to work hard to make the facilities comfortable, warm and friendly for his guests. Under the new management, Hahndorf House B&B had undergone a facelift, now offering upgraded rooms and grounds and have introduced additional facilities and services.
  • 2024
    During the years 2007-2024, the property underwent a further series of extensive updates and additions that have elevated it to a new level of luxury and sophistication. All three cottages were fully renovated to ensure the utmost comfort and style for its guests. The owner of Hahndorf House, Damir, spared no expense in creating a world-class experience for visitors, which includes a stunning luxury day spa located on the property. In addition, a beautiful garden pavilion was erected, providing the perfect setting for functions and events. For the convenience and security of guests, a secure car park with an electric gate was also added to the property. As a testament to his passion and dedication, Damir handbuilt a magnificent 15 metre long lit arch walkway that spans through the property, adding a touch of elegance and grandeur. These remarkable updates and additions have truly transformed the property into a desirable destination for those seeking indulgence and relaxation.