Between wide, open country and the bustle of Canberra, historic Hall offers a serene escape from city life. This is a sponsored post.

BETWEEN wide, open country and the bustle of Canberra, historic Hall offers a serene escape from city life.

Sitting on the banks of the Hall Creek, the village, initially called Ginninderra in 1882, was renamed in honour of the town’s first landowner, Henry Hall, following protests from local residents.

While Canberra has grown and expanded to become a modern city, Hall has kept its rural character and is home to some of Canberra’s oldest history.

The small town has a population of about 298 people, according to the 2021 Census, and continues to be labelled as a rural getaway from the city, with plenty to do and a variety of passionate businesses to visit.

Elegance and sophistication in wine 

NICK O’Leary Wines has opened Canberra’s newest cellar door and restaurant, says owner Nick O’Leary.

“Located in Wallaroo, this exquisite establishment – Heywood – promises to offer a captivating experience for wine enthusiasts and gastronomy aficionados alike,” he says.

“We have been making wine for 17 years and we really wanted to create a home for Nick O’Leary Wines, a home that we can share with our customers.

“We wanted people to be able to come and see where we grow and make the wine and to be able to share what we think is a pretty special place.”

Nick says each wine is introduced with insights into its origin, winemaking techniques and unique characteristics.

“Participants are encouraged to engage their senses, examining the colour, appreciating the aromas, and savouring the flavours on their palates. The intimate setting allows for open discussion, questions and a deeper exploration of the wines’ nuances,” he says.

“Designed with elegance and sophistication in mind, Heywood embodies the spirit of the region, blending modern aesthetics with warm and inviting ambiance.

“The building itself was a pre-existing house on the property, and when you drive over the hill and see the sweeping views of the Brindabellas, Surveyors Hill, the vines, and the rolling hills you feel a sense of being unplugged from it all and in a place where you can truly relax and unwind.”

Nick O’Leary Winery, Heywood, 149 Brooklands Road, Wallaroo. Call 0480 510595, or visit nickolearywines.com.au

Expanding health services for locals

AFTER such a thrilling welcome, and having now settled in Hall, Dr Wilson Lo, of Bruce Sports Medicine, says he is looking forward to growing his practice.

“We are thrilled to be accepted so well in the local community since we moved here in May,” he says.

“It’s been so wonderful to have so many locals from Hall and surrounding regions, such as Gungahlin, Springrange, Murrumbatemen and Yass, come and use our services.”

Wilson says due to the demand for its services, Bruce Sports Medicine is undergoing renovations to help it expand.

“We are starting an extra exercise physiologist soon, and also our acupuncturist Claire Shen will start in November,” he says.

“But, what the locals are really asking for are general practitioners.

“We’re setting up some new offices and are undergoing general practice accreditation now, so that Hall can once again have GPs.

“They will be well supported with so many allied health services, plus practice nurses, so please if there are any GPs interested in working here we’d love to hear from you.”

Bruce Sports Medicine, 9 Victoria Street, Hall. Call 6253 5386, or visit brucesportsmedicine.com.au

150 years of community and real estate

For more than 150 years, the Southwell family and Hall Village have shared a unique and enduring relationship, says Ray White property marketing specialist George Southwell.

As a sixth-generation Southwell in Hall, George says he offers unparalleled knowledge of the local community and its people.

“Living in Hall is like stepping back in time, where a tight-knit community thrives in a rural haven just a stone’s throw from the city,” he says.

“Hall’s charm lies in its history, where memories of sheepdog trials, country fairs, and the timeless beauty of old clay tennis courts still resound.”

George says this deep connection to the community is a source of pride for him and his Ray White Rural Canberra, Yass and Murrumbateman team.

“The Southwell family is actively engaged in the Hall village, and I am proud to serve the region as part of the Springfield Rural Fire Brigade,” says George.

“While Hall is part of Canberra, it’s more of a small country town than a suburb.

“It’s where city workers can live a quiet rural life in a welcoming community that knows your name.” 

For those seeking the best property outcomes in Hall Village, George says he and his dedicated team are ready
to assist with sales and asset management.

“Our experience, expertise, and commitment to the local community make us trusted partners in the real estate market.”

Ray White Rural Canberra / Yass / Murrumbateman, 151 Comur Street, Yass. Call 6226 4400, or visit raywhiteruralyasscanberra.com.au

A perfect opportunity to create

Venetia Major says her bespoke jewellery business joined the Hall community during COVID-19.

“Hall is such a beautiful location, the shop just popped up at the right time,” she says.

“The community is very friendly and welcoming.

“When I stopped looking, this space became available, and I just thought it was a perfect opportunity.”

She says COVID-19 saw a boom in custom-made jewellery.

“It meant I was able to keep working during the pandemic, and I was kept busy,” she says.

“People wanted something special to hold on to and ever since, the business has continued to go really well.”

Venetia says she also offers silversmithing classes.

“The classes run twice a week and are designed for everyone, from the complete beginner to the experienced student,” she says.

While engaging with customers, Venetia says her reassuring phrase is “the more you say no, the better it gets”.

“Through an iterative process of feedback and refinement, we collaboratively breathe life into a fresh, captivating design.”

“And, I also feature the work of nine independent jewellers in the front of my shop.”

Venetia Major, 3/8 Victoria Street, Hall. Call 6230 9587, or visit venetiamajor.com.au