Lydia Kellner

Updated 7 Feb 2024, 11:55am

First published 7 Feb 2024, 8:30am

News Corp Australia Network

A prominent Hills arts hub could face the wrecking ball, with concept plans drawn up to replace Ateliers Crafers with a 16-dwelling townhouse development following its impending sale. Picture: supplied.

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A prominent arts hub in the Adelaide Hills is facing demolition, with plans drawn up to replace Atelier Crafers with a 16-dwelling townhouse development.

The property at 1 Cox Place has been listed for sale for an undisclosed price, with selling agent Nathan Fox of Smallacombe Real Estate citing the owner’s desire to retire as the main motivation to dispose of the business, an adjacent bed and breakfast and the owner’s main residence.

Atelier Crafers, an iconic cafe and art gallery, also incorporates the Adelaide Hills Art Academy, which has been facilitating art classes for the past seven years.

The business, which has a strong international following, reportedly turns an annual income of around $500,000, making the sale a lucrative prospect for buyers looking to expand on the Hills’ growing art scene.

Atelier Crafers could be replaced by a townhouse development. Picture: supplied.

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Inside Atelier Crafers arts studio. Picture: supplied.

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The property also includes a busy, two-bedroom bed and breakfast. Picture: supplied.

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… as well as a main, four-bedroom residence with a large pool. Picture: supplied.

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However, Mr Fox said the property may also face the wrecking ball, with the owner’s having engaged Anthony Donato Architects to draw up concept plans for an apartment complex and commercial precinct to be developed on the 1520sq m site.

“There are three development plans that go with the property … and that includes 16 apartments and three substantial commercial properties plus an undercroft car park,” Mr Fox said.

“So it’s a mixed bag as the property’s existing layout is capable of providing several income streams as well as a unique personal residence, if someone wanted to continue it as is or lease it out.

“The offering of this property and the three businesses is possibly the most unique development opportunity currently on offer in the Adelaide Hills council area.”

As it stands, the front of the property is currently occupied by Atelier Crafers and a two-bedroom unit, currently used as a bed and breakfast, with a two-person spa bath and a private courtyard.

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The fully-equipped apartment regularly attracts bookings from overseas, local and intrastate visitors.

The main residence, meanwhile, sits at the rear and features four bedrooms, two bathrooms and an open-plan living space, an in-ground swimming pool and a large outdoor entertainment area.

The property also comes with an unfinished loft area above the main house, which could have multiple uses, subject to statutory approvals.

The property may face demolition with concept images drawn up for developers to replace Atelier Crafers with a 16-dwelling townhouse development and retail space. Picture: Smallacombe Real Estate.

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The development would also include substantial undercroft parking … Picture: supplied.

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… as well as retail opportunities. Picture: supplied.

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Mr Fox said early interest in the property has been diverse.

“Personally I think we’ll sell to someone interstate or overseas,” he said.

“So far we’ve had a fair amount of inquiries from developers and people who want to use just a portion of it.

“But we’ve only had interest from owner-occupiers and extended families, given that the property comes with six bedrooms and could be quite a large residential accommodation.

“So we’ll have to wait and see who it will sell to … but there are certainly options for everyone.”