From Renting in Mount Barker to Building a Life at Newenham

Originally shared in 2021, Hannah and Tyson’s story began with a search for more space and a country lifestyle. Five years on, we caught up with the family to see how life at Newenham has unfolded.

High school sweethearts Hannah and Tyson were drawn to Newenham by its country atmosphere, open spaces and the opportunity to build a home with room for their family to grow.

Having both grown up in South Australian river towns, they knew they wanted a home with a country feel, a larger allotment and plenty of room for family life.

“We are both from country towns in South Australia. I grew up in Mannum, and Tyson in Murray Bridge,” says Hannah.

Having met at school, the couple maintained close ties to their country roots, family and friends.

“We met in high school and have been together ever since. We married in March 2018 on the riverfront just outside of Mannum and now have a beautiful five-month-old son Hudson and our gorgeous cat Billie” says Hannah.

Newenham’s location also suited their working lives, with connections to both Adelaide and Murray Bridge.

“I am an engineer, and Hannah is an Occupational Therapist. I work in the city while Hannah works in Murray Bridge,” says Tyson.

Although they had already lived in Mount Barker for four years, Hannah and Tyson were still searching for the country atmosphere they had grown up with.

After months of looking for a suitable block, a conversation with an aunt prompted them to explore Newenham.

“We were struggling to find a block and location that suited our needs. We absolutely fell in love with the Newenham because of the country feel and environment,” says Hannah.

It wasn’t just the larger allotments that appealed. The welcoming community was another important part of their decision.

“We love the friendly community and love that every time we go walking, there is always someone to chat with. We love all the people that we have already connected with,” says Hannah.

Having grown up in smaller country towns, that sense of community was something they hoped their own children would experience.

“We are very excited for our son to be able to connect with the other wonderful children in the estate. We also love the large blocks as we want plenty of space for our family to grow,” Tyson explains.

Building Their First Family Home

Having room to grow was always a priority, and the couple chose Hickinbotham Homes to build their first home.

“We wanted to create a Country Hamptons style home for our first house,” says Hannah.

Their home features four bedrooms, two bathrooms and an additional lounge room, with a spacious kitchen, outdoor entertaining area and plenty of storage – all thoughtfully considered for family life.

Beyond their home, Hannah and Tyson were equally drawn to the natural surroundings and Adelaide Hills lifestyle, particularly the established trees, landscaped open spaces and walking trails.

And with so much of the Adelaide Hills within easy reach, they enjoyed exploring local favourites including Lot 100, Bird in Hand and the Pallet Cafe in Nairne.

Five Years On: Growing Up at Newenham

Five years on from sharing their original Newenham story, life has certainly changed for Hannah and Tyson. Their family has grown from three to five, with their eldest now nearly six and their twins approaching their fourth birthday.

But one thing hasn’t changed – their love of the place they chose to call home.

“We absolutely love Newenham. Before moving here, it was always our dream to have some land, but since calling Newenham home, we honestly can’t imagine living anywhere else. It has truly become home for us.”

A Home Designed to Grow With Their Family

When Hannah and Tyson planned their first home, they put considerable thought into how the layout, entertaining areas and outdoor spaces would work as their family grew.

Today, with three young children, those decisions have become even more meaningful.

Their larger home and entertaining area have allowed them to welcome friends and family throughout the year, while the front and back yards have become two distinct spaces for the children to play.

One of Hannah’s favourite places is also one of the simplest – the outdoor couch on their front porch.

“My favourite spot in our yard is sitting on our outdoor couch on the front porch with our friends and family, watching our children play with their friends. In those moments, I feel incredibly grateful for the life we have created here.”

It’s a lovely reflection of how their home has evolved alongside their family.

Finding Their Country Community

Having both grown up in country towns, Hannah and Tyson had always valued the friendships, familiarity and sense of belonging that come with a close-knit community.

Initially, they wondered whether moving to Mount Barker would mean leaving some of that behind.

Instead, they’ve found something that reminds them of their own childhoods.

“We’ve created a beautiful chosen family here. Our kids call people ‘Poppa’, ‘Nanny’, ‘Uncle’ and ‘Aunty’, which was such a core part of my own childhood. It’s incredibly special to see those relationships naturally develop for our children too.”

It’s the everyday connections that Hannah treasures most – neighbours stopping for a chat, friends dropping in and children forming friendships just a short walk from home.

And sometimes, community spirit grows from the smallest ideas.

One neighbour’s fairy garden inspired other families to create their own after a post on Facebook, bringing a little extra magic to neighbourhood walks and plenty of delight for the children.

For Hannah, these small moments, along with Newenham’s community events and kitchen pantry, are among the things that make living here so special.

A Place to Call Home

Looking back, Hannah and Tyson have no regrets about their decision to build at Newenham. Their home has grown with their family, and the community around them has become an important part of their children’s lives.

“We feel very lucky to have created such a strong sense of community around us and to be raising our children in a place where they are surrounded by people who genuinely care about them.”

And Hannah’s advice for other families considering Newenham?

“Don’t hesitate – do it!”

For a couple who originally dreamed of having more land and bringing a little country living into their family’s future, it’s lovely to see how that dream has unfolded five years on.

 

Photography and photo credit: Kylie South Photography

 

If you’d like to know more about securing your future in this thriving community at Newenham, see our land for sale or call our friendly Sales Team on 0429 107 497.

You can also visit the beautifully-restored Sales & Information Centre at 164 Flaxley Road, Mount Barker – check open hours here. We recommend booking a private tour, even on weekends, to ensure we can provide you with the excellent service we are known for.

Come see for yourself why you and your family will love living at Newenham, awarded Best Residential Development in 2020.