From River Views to Hills Living: Finding Their Forever Home at Newenham

For Ben and his wife, Kendall, weekends in the Adelaide Hills had long been part of their shared story before they ever imagined calling it home.

Born and raised in Adelaide, the couple first met more than 12 years ago and spent countless weekends exploring cellar doors and wineries throughout the Hills region.

“We’d often be at a cellar door in the Adelaide Hills and this is really where our love for the Hills first came about,” they explain.

While life commitments initially kept them living east of Adelaide, the dream of eventually moving to the Hills never really left them. Now, with two young boys aged six and almost four, the family has officially made the move to Newenham.

Before settling in Mount Barker, the family had briefly lived at Mannum Waters, building a home surrounded by rural scenery and views across the Murray River.

“We loved the rural aspect and views of the Murray River that we had,” they say. “But it was never going to be practical for the imminent school years, so we made the decision to sell our home and exchange the river views for the Hills views.”

What they found in Newenham was the perfect balance – a Hills lifestyle that still kept everyday convenience close at hand.

“While the commute to the city is only 25–30 minutes, our weekends in the Hills seem a world away from it all,” they explain. “We really enjoy the separation and the psychological work/life balance for this fact.”

Interestingly, discovering Newenham happened almost by accident.

After enrolling their eldest son at Kings Baptist Grammar School’s Adelaide Hills campus, the couple drove out to explore the area for the first time.

“We actually had no idea about Newenham initially, however when we first went for a drive past the school, we literally drove straight into Newenham and found ourselves driving around the various streets thinking how nice it would be to live there.”

Unlike many newer developments, Newenham immediately stood apart.

“We generally dislike the classic ‘cookie cutter’ look,” they explain. “The number one standout for us was the look and feel of Newenham. The houses and facades were different, and we love Newenham’s approach to how this is carried out through assessment and design approval, which was most exciting for us.”

The size of the block, location and natural undulating landscape also played a major role in their decision, with their family securing an 800sqm block with plenty of space out the back for the boys and within walking distance to school.

“We wanted space for the boys and to feel like our neighbours weren’t on top of us.”

Now settled into their newly completed four-bedroom home after handover in April 2026, the family is embracing a design centered around practicality, functionality and everyday family life.

Their custom build with La Vida Homes Adelaide includes a home theatre, walk-through butler’s pantry, feature finishes and even a hidden “drop zone” for school bags, keys and daily life clutter.

And naturally, living in the Adelaide Hills wine region meant one feature was essential.

“There’s space for the wine fridge – a must-have when living in this amazing wine region!”

As they settle into life at Newenham, the family is looking forward to leaning into everything they’ve long loved about the Adelaide Hills lifestyle.

“Staying true to our roots, I expect we’ll be regulars at the Adelaide Hills wineries,” Ben says.

Closer to home, the simple everyday moments are already taking shape too – breakfast or coffee at Kitchen Farm, just a pleasant walk away, family outings aboard the nearby SteamRanger Railway, and discovering the many local pubs and places to eat throughout the region.

“Overall, we’re spoilt for choice on many levels in the Hills.”

For this growing family, Newenham represents more than simply building a house – it’s the fulfilment of a lifestyle they had quietly imagined together for more than a decade.

A place where weekends feel slower, community feels genuine, and home finally feels exactly where they are meant to be.

 

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.