Holden is credited with naming the area "Hope Valley" after returning home in 1842 to find that his house and business had burnt down in a bushfire, but rather than becoming despondent, he felt optimistic.

In 1847 Hermann Friedrich Koch purchased 8 acres (32,000 m2) of Section 824 and applied for a licence to open a public house – the Bremen Arms.

Recent renovations have uncovered a curious art deco style corner complete with a sea green round window.

Also in that year Hope Valley became part of the postal route from Adelaide to Mount Torrens and Holden assumed the role of Postmaster.

Hope Valley has since been assimilated as a suburb of the City of Tea Tree Gully and Greater Metropolitan Adelaide.