14 The Common
For private viewing times please contact Sally Cameron on 0412915108
A once in a generation opportunity to acquire one of South Australia’s most iconic and historically significant estates
Standing proudly on a substantial landholding of sweeping park like grounds, this landmark Victorian mansion of grand proportions and gracious architectural note has been one of Adelaide’s finest and most admired residences for almost 175 years.
With an unrivalled position opposite the idyllic acreage of Beaumont Common, this is perhaps the rarest and most outstanding offering to grace today’s luxury market.
The current owner has meticulously restored, extended and refurbished this expansive family home, thus ensuring its rich historic grandeur has been both preserved and enhanced by contemporary comfort, technology and design.
HISTORY & ENTRANCE
“Tower House” occupies what is arguably the most unique and exceptional position in this exclusive and prestigious eastern suburb. The extra wide street frontage sits opposite the unspoiled bushland beauty of the adjacent “Common”, that forms a virtual extension of the property and gives the impression of living in the country.
The magnificent landholding upon which the house sits was purchased by early gentleman colonist and Master of the Hounds William Vansittart, who built the original bluestone return veranda villa in around 1850. A few years later, the house was further extended, with the iconic tower from which the house takes its name and character added to observe ships arriving into port. To this day, the crenelated tower affords the most exceptional 360-degree views across the whole of Adelaide from the hills to the horizon.
Elevated behind the original stone wall and embraced by terraced gardens and sweeping lawns, the home’s stately frontage cannot fail to impress, with slate steps ascending to a timber embellished return veranda with Jarrah floors and ceilings.
FORMAL LIVING
A resplendent entry foyer with chandelier and decorative fireplace, once used for balls and grand soirees, introduces a series of grand reception rooms.
The magnificent formal dining room with a marble fireplace and chandelier spills through French doors to the veranda balcony with garden views.
A versatile vestibule used as a study leads to the elegantly proportioned north facing formal drawing room adorned with a marble fireplace, sun-drenched box bay window and tree-studded views across the garden and “Common” beyond.
After dinner, retire for billiards, play a few rounds of bridge with friends in the afternoon, or let the kids run wild at any time of the day or night in the vast games room that forms the ultimate entertainer’s retreat.
BEDROOM ACCOMMODATION & DESIGNER BATHROOMS
The beautifully proportioned master suite forms a private and peaceful haven with a bay window overlooking the garden, a walk-in robe and luxurious ensuite bathroom with heated floors.
A pair of bedrooms with pretty leadlight bays share a walk-in robe and ensuite bathroom, whilst a large fourth bedroom utilises a designer bathroom with tub and mosaic feature tiles.
A contemporary addition above the five-car garage provides further bedroom accommodation, walk-in robe and ensuite. Perfect for guests, teen or young adult accommodation, this versatile space could accommodate two bedrooms, or one with a living room. Alternatively, it would make an amazing home office.
The tower rooms could also provide additional bedrooms and linked living accommodation if required.
OPEN PLAN LIVING
With a contemporary nod to the home’s refined aesthetic, expansive open plan living with a round tower breakfast nook is grounded by parquetry floors and bathed in light from a series of bi-fold doors that connect to and embrace the idyllic outdoors.
At centre stage, the entertainer’s kitchen is a triumph of enduring design that incorporates bespoke shaker joinery, European appliances, and a monumental Canadian granite island bench with integrated dining table.
THE UNIQUE TOWER & OUTDOOR COTTAGE / STUDIO
A second ground floor study forms one of the three “tower” rooms, vertically connected by a spiral staircase. These rooms provide enormous flexibility to be used however one desires, with the cherry on top being the extraordinary castle like observation deck with a flagpole commanding breathtaking panoramas from the foothills across Adelaide to the Gulf.
Nestled in the garden, an enchanting stand-alone bluestone “cottage” with its own heritage style bathroom is ideal for a multitude of uses whether it be a studio, home office, gym or guest accommodation.
GROUNDS & POOL
Alfresco entertaining wraps around the home, with an outdoor dining terrace stepping down to a pizza oven and BBQ area, and idyllic pool and spa.
Once featured in Adelaide’s open garden scheme, the glorious terraced grounds are very special. Designed in part to recreate some of the home’s original garden design, expansive lawns, tranquil garden rooms and secret nooks form a peaceful haven, gardener’s paradise and entertainer’s playground.
Pathways meander under ornamental trees, through arbours, past citrus trees and Mediterranean style courtyards, towards terraced lawns bound by rosemary hedges, a formal sunken rose garden, fishponds, water features and even a charming bridge.
Other unique features include the original well from which water can still be drawn, and an extraordinary natural sculptural Fig tree trunk reminiscent of a lovers embrace.
There is ample room to add a tennis court if desired (STNCC).
ADDITIONAL FEATURES OF NOTE
Position
Historic features
Recent Improvements
Kitchen
Laundry
Storage
Technology
Comfort
Parking
Garden