Where a prestigious 1,984sqm (approx.) corner of Malvern makes room for blooming roses, a pool and a tennis court, this C1916 return verandah villa keeps faith with its past even as a seamless extension ushers it into the present.
Three decades under the one family's care have yielded a rare mix of pedigree, grandeur and every reason to stay home.
Step through the rose arbour and the villa wastes no time making its case. A broad hallway runs under ceilings that climb past 12ft, over original pine floorboards and through a Gothic archway recalling its earlier life as a Catholic nursing home.
In the formal lounge, a fireplace does the gathering, while the leadlight bay window and its bench seat cater to whoever would rather read than chat. The dining room answers with a hearth of its own and a separate entry - equally suited for full family feasts or a business run from home.
The master suite claims wall-to-wall built-ins, a walk-in robe and an ensuite clad in Carrara marble - a divine evolution over time, matched by the main bathroom, there to serve up to four more bedrooms, each as generous in proportion.
Two large dry cellars keep their cool underground, charmingly wrapped in bluestone and brick, with space for a long pour among friends or a teenage takeover, depending on who claims it first.
Western Australian Karri hardwood is the only clue you've crossed from the original villa into the extension, where a billiard room grand enough for a full-size table gives game nights a proper home. A solid timber bar with fridge, a lampshade from Norwood RSL and a gas fireplace keep the competition comfortable all winter.
The granite-topped kitchen, with Miele and Euro appliances, is the household's natural gathering point, presiding over open-plan living so the breakfast rush, homework hour and the build to a dinner party all play out in plain sight of one another.
Outside, the family is spoilt for choice. A bullnose verandah in matching sandstone encircles the villa and looks over a salt-chlorinated pool, its solar heating stretching the swimming season, while entertaining spaces tucked among the rose gardens turn lunches into long afternoons. Match point is never far away on the synthetic north-to-south tennis court, from first rallies for the children to a doubles weekend with friends.
Perfectly positioned for families, Malvern's coveted postcode puts top schools, vibrant cafes, boutiques and dining within easy reach for the best of inner-suburb living.
With milestones already marked on the tennis court and endless summers spent poolside, the next lifetime of celebrations is yours to host.
Even more to love:
North-south synthetic tennis court with floodlights
Fully tiled, salt-chlorinated swimming pool with solar heating
Beautiful & extensively landscaped gardens
Double garaging with drive-thru access for two under carport
Ample master suite with walk-in wardrobe & updated ensuite
Built-in robes to bedrooms 2, 3 & 4
Flexible 5th bedroom or creative studio
Euro freestanding oven with gas cooktop & Miele dishwasher
Carrara marble-tiled bathrooms
Home office
Large laundry with shower & WC, perfect for pool use
Two dry cellars
16-panel solar system
Ducted R/C air conditioning
Original fireplaces
Surround sound to main rooms & terrace
Security alarm
Rainbird automatic irrigation system
Zoned for sought-after Highgate Primary & Unley High
Footsteps to bus stops, Walford Anglican, Concordia College & Unley Oval
Just 5-minutes from the CBD
Property Rates & Taxes:
City of Unley Rates: $10,954.65 per annum
ESL Rates: $879.40 per annum
SA Water Rates: $1,036.80 per quarter
