The Cedars is the historic home of one of Australia’s most noted landscape artists, Sir Hans Heysen. It is one of the country’s most intact and best preserved historic homes.
Hans purchased the 1870s colonial style villa in 1912 and lived here with his wife Sallie and their family of eight children, including his artist daughter Nora. She was the first woman to win the prestigious Archibald Prize for portraiture as well as the country’s first female war artist. The house has changed little since the 1920s and is decorated in the Federation ‘Arts and Crafts’ style. Hans Heysen’s studio is Australia’s oldest artist’s studio.
Visitors may choose to tour the studios of Hans and Nora Heysen at any time in open hours without a guide. The house may only be visited as part of a guided tour.
Some 200 original works of art can be seen in changing displays in the studios and the house. One can also spend time in the charming cottage garden or wander along the Artist’s Walk and discover some of Heysen’s favourite painting sites. Heysen’s car, a Ford Model A and caravan, which he used for his painting trips to the Flinders Ranges etc is also on display.