Our Vision
We’re focused on creating a place that’s designed with wellbeing in mind and dedicated to fostering an active and engaged community, where our resident’s health and wellbeing are nurtured and nourished in equal measure.
The natural waterways, tree lines and gently undulating hills give this neighbourhood an unmistakable character – not to mention postcard worthy snapshots of some of the most beautiful land in all of Mount Barker.
As we look to the future, we will continue to enhance Newenham’s legacy through a balance between the natural and man-made to create a community sensitive to its environment and, in many ways, shaped by it.
This attitude has inspired new, innovative ideas for Newenham, ones that incorporate agriculture, business opportunities and health and wellbeing. We believe these have the potential to sustain and grow the Newenham community, providing a breeding ground for entrepreneurialism.
The homes themselves are just as important to the Newenham vision. With a focus on quality, diverse architecture that embodies a natural aesthetic, you will see streetscapes that are timelessly individual and beautifully in tune with their surroundings. Our commitment to embracing the great outdoors is also reflected by the larger allotments of land that Newenham residents enjoy.
We believe it takes an innovative and collaborative team of many disciplines to design and develop a new village. Together, we’ve created a framework for an engaged, active and sustainable community that not only features quality homes, but also provides business opportunities in the future retail and shopping precinct, a possible wellness centre or B&B overlooking the century-old pear orchard.
We can proudly say that every element of Newenham has been thoughtfully considered in the hope that it supports the health, happiness and wellbeing of the community, whilst sitting respectfully within the beautiful natural environment. By doing this, we strive to create a new benchmark for living in the Adelaide Hills.
We invite you to share our vision for a flourishing community that will continue to grow, and evolve and develop a spirit, unique to Newenham.
The Farm
Agriculture has played an important part in the history of the Mount Barker region, and at Newenham, we wholeheartedly embrace and embody that enduring philosophy.
At the inception of the project 8 hectares of land was earmarked for the creation of a farm. This initiative aimed to grow and support a resilient community and even open the door for Newenham to contribute to Adelaide Hills’ ever-growing food culture.
It was proposed the land would be used for many different farming and cultivation related practices, from productive edible gardens and nurseries to leased farm plots, community gardens, education programs and natural playgrounds. The potential of the farm is endless; it just takes an inspired community and a touch of creativity to bring this remarkable vision to life. The idea even allowed an opportunity for local businesses to evolve, such as a market café or restaurant that can share the locally grown produce with residents and visitors.
From the outset, there was a firm belief that the farm precinct would not only define Newenham’s culture but also stand as a source of immense pride for the entire community. This vision is now emerging through the dedicated efforts of Newenham’s Marketing Director, Olivia Burke. Since 2017, she has tirelessly crafted a plan for this farm, which is now coming to life as Kitchen Farm Adelaide Hills.
Beautiful Design with Natural Flair
From houses and streetscapes to public spaces, we’ve taken inspiration from the character of the Adelaide Hills to create a timeless, contemporary Australian design unique to Newenham.
Embrace the freedom to design and build your dream home with the builder of your choice, giving you the ability to craft a home that perfectly aligns with your lifestyle and your individual style.
Our Design Team are always on hand to assist you with the process of buying land and building your new home. We encourage you to reach out to our team early on, allowing us to simplify your journey and support you in achieving your dream home.
The thoughtful and intelligent masterplan design gives Newenham a natural, effortless beauty that will enhance your lifestyle and long-term enjoyment while nurturing the wellbeing of everyone who chooses to call it home.
Nature on your doorstep
In our opinion, access to wide open spaces is vital for wellbeing as it encourages an active lifestyle and is beneficial to our health and happiness.
When we were designing Newenham, we wanted to allow for plenty of natural open space so residents could feel a sense of freedom and connection to the great outdoors.
Luckily, we had a very impressive starting point: the magnificent Western Flat Creek. This lovely centrepiece flows through the heart of Newenham providing a beautiful stretch of nature for all to enjoy.
To give it the breathing space it deserves, a native vegetation corridor with wetlands and viewing platforms has been delivered alongside the linear park, walking trail and nature playground. This entire space has been landscaped to complement Newenham’s character, encourage sustainability and enhance our residents’ health and wellbeing.
You’ll also be reassured to know that 98% of the existing trees have been retained and hundreds more have been planted to enhance the sense of wellbeing you feel as you wander through Newenham.
Newenham’s sensitivity to the great outdoors has created a natural connection within the community and has allowed plenty of opportunities for our community to create friendships and a strong sense of belonging.
Plenty of room for an active lifestyle
To further encourage a healthy and active lifestyle, a network of tranquil trails connect our residents to over nine hectares of sports and recreation reserves within Newenham. These easily connect to existing paths that lead through Keith Stephenson Park into the town centre of Mount Barker and right out to the Laratinga Wetlands and the Summit Sports & Recreation Park.
When designing our public spaces, considerable thought was given to achieving a friendly, sustainable, and balanced environment to give you and your family plenty of space to roam and enjoy. The kids’ play areas foster creativity and imagination, and easily link to the network of walking trails and bike paths, all beautifully illustrating our attention to detail and commitment to community.
School and Sporting Grounds
Imagine waving goodbye to the kids as they walk or pedal safely off to school on the linear park's creekside trail, right at your doorstep.
This vision is now a reality as Kings Baptist Grammar School opened the doors of their second campus, right here at Newenham in January 2023.
Community Involvement
From the very beginning, Newenham fosters a culture of community spirit and pride. Whether through a variety of community events, workshops, or our unique street library, you'll discover a diverse neighborhood eagerly awaiting your arrival.
Newenham is more than a place; it's a commitment to the health, happiness, and well-being of both our residents and visitors.
The Newenham Story
The historic homestead, perched on the end of Newenham Road, has connections with some of South Australia’s most prominent and respected citizens such as Lieutenant Colonel John Morphett Irwin, who purchased the property in 1933. He named it after his ancestor and former Sheriff of South Australia, Charles Burton Newenham.
Lieutenant Colonel Irwin transformed an original cottage into a charming country homestead and converted the land into one of South Australia’s most important scientifically managed farms. His wife was also a passionate gardener, and side-by-side they enhanced the site’s beauty and strengthened its connection with nature.
It’s a privilege to be a part of the next chapter in Newenham’s story – but it’s also a responsibility. Its existing natural features include native and European trees, a century-old pear orchard, the Newenham Homestead, barn and farmland, and the Western Flat Creek that forms a stunning visual artery through the middle of the land. These magnificent assets will be preserved and remain a cherished part of the future landscape.
Newenham sits peacefully on the western edge of Flaxley Road, just two kilometres from the township of Mount Barker. Whilst the location hasn’t changed since Lieutenant Colonel Irwin’s day, the offerings of the region certainly have – schools, shopping centres and a hospital are just some of the community amenities within easy reach.
Newenham’s natural beauty is reflective of the wider Adelaide Hills region known for its stunning seasonal landscapes. The region is also renowned for magnificent food and wine, art and heritage, flora and fauna, and its vibrant market and festival culture.
As we look to the future, we seek to enhance Newenham’s legacy by establishing a community driven and dynamic environment that will enrich our resident’s health, happiness and wellbeing now and into the future.