Heysen – The Cedars

Lovers of fine art, charming gardens and famous family lives will have much to discover at The Cedars, a few minutes from historic Hahndorf. From 1912, this 36-acre (expanding to 132-acre) country property with its towering trees was home to iconic landscape painter and early conservationist Sir Hans Heysen, his wife Sallie and family of eight – including Nora, who became a famous artist in her own right.

Many of their captivating works are displayed in the original furnished home which played regular host to Royal visitors and celebrities from film, ballet and opera – such was the fame of this artist who captured the light, texture and personality of the Australian landscape like no other. But a very different painting excited visiting diva Anna Pavlova. Which one? You’ll find it inside.

Guided tours are offered of the house, the delightful original garden planted by Hans himself – and his completely intact studio. Here visitors can step back in time to see one of his works taking shape, surrounded by his materials, sketches and other artefacts – just as if the artist had stepped out for a break.