After twenty-five years of living in Mount Barker, Shane and Louise wouldn’t dream of anywhere else other than the gorgeous Adelaide Hills and, in particular, the natural open spaces and friendly community of Newenham to settle.
Educators Shane and Louise have had a love affair with Mount Barker for more than 25 years. The couple settled in the area when Shane was appointed principal at St Michael’s Lutheran School in Hahndorf. In the following years, they purchased a home on 1.25 acres in Martindale near the Mount Barker wetlands.
“It was great to have all that space when our children were young,” says Shane.
Now grown, their children are spread far and wide with Karl living in Canada, Sophie on Kangaroo Island and Joshua still relatively close at Bridgewater.
“Two of our children are getting married in the near future and we look forward to the time when we can be grandparents!” says Louise.
Even though they both originally hail from interstate, Shane and Louise’s South Australian connection begins when they met at teacher’s college in Adelaide. Returning to take on teaching appointments, they found that the Adelaide Hills was the perfect place to settle. Louise explains that they are still actively involved in the education sector.
“Shane has continued working for Lutheran education in various roles. He is currently commuting between Melbourne and Mount Barker in his new role as Deputy Director for Lutheran Education in Victoria, New South Wales and Tasmania. I have been a teacher/librarian at St Mark’s Lutheran Primary School in Mount Barker for a number of years.”
As residents of Mount Barker for more than 25-years, Newenham had always been on the radar having watched closely as the new estate took shape and parcels of large allotments were released.
Says Shane now that the couple has made a move to Newenham, “We love the relaxed Hills lifestyle, the weather and the friendly, welcoming community. We wouldn’t live anywhere else.”
So why Newenham?
“We considered building in another estate but after experiencing the wonderful ‘ambience’ which existed at Newenham, we wanted to build here,” says Louise.
Other influencing factors that cemented their decision was Newenham’s wide-open spaces, the close proximity to the Mount Barker township, the unique breakout reserves and large established trees, and the huge allotments.
“We wanted a larger block which other estates don’t have; we wanted the ‘country’ feel which is evident,” Shane explains.
The addition of new shops, the community farm, plus the friendliness and inclusiveness of the community (along with its vision) were also contributing factors.
“It’s great getting to know our neighbours and others in Newenham through fantastic community events that have been organised,” says Louise. “The linear trail is right outside our back gate. The lovely gum trees have been preserved, creating a wonderful sense of peace and tranquility and they look fantastic lit up at night.”
The sense of space and the welcome feeling of not being ‘boxed in’ by other houses allowed the Paterson’s to create their large home just the way they wanted.
“We have built our ‘forever home’ with Kookaburra Homes, who understand the vision for the community Newenham is building. It’s a large single-story family home to welcome friends and family (and one day, the grandchildren),” says Louise.
The home features a large internal skylight that provides much natural light, wide hallways, a large laundry, a contemporary kitchen and a pantry. There is lots of storage space and built-in shelving to house their extensive book collection.
“[We get] many comments about our front façade which features large wooden pillars and planter boxes. Andrew Krantz Gardens designed and constructed our wonderful front and back gardens,” boasts Shane.
As long-standing members of the Mount Barker community, Shane and Louise have already established some of the best places to catch up with friends over coffee.
“Love the many coffee shops including Sazon and Grounds for Coffee,” enthuses Louise.
But when something a little stronger is called for, be it a celebration or just a relaxing afternoon in the picturesque Adelaide Hills, then the couple has a couple of recommendations.
“Being lovers of gin, we enjoy visits to Lot 100 and Ambleside Distillers,” says Shane.
With its linear park, natural environment, shops, school, community events, community farm, and proximity to Mount Barker, Newenham continues to not only impress but to capture the hearts of those like Shane and Louise who immerse themselves in this unique hills community.
As Shane and Louise like to tell everyone, “We love Newenham, we would not live anywhere else!”
If you’d like to know more about joining our growing community or securing your future at Newenham, simply contact our Sales Team on 0429 107 497 or on sales@newenham.com.au. Check the website for the Sales & Information Centre opening hours.
We recommend booking a private 1-on-1 tour, even on weekends, to ensure we can provide you with the excellent service we are known for.
We look forward to welcoming you to Newenham soon.
