FEATURE HOME: One of a kind at Wayville
Michael and Kathryn Lindblom are selling their stone-fronted villa appointed with original decorative plasterwork, a modern extension and a swimming pool on 1000sqm that could be yours at auction for about $1.8million.
Solicitor Michael Lindblom and teacher wife Kathryn are selling their beloved home at 291 Young Street, Wayville, which is to be auctioned next month with a price guide of $1.8 million.
The couple has owned the home for 34 years, during which time they’ve pursued their respective careers in the local area and raised their two daughters, who attended the nearby Annesley Junior School.
Now, Michael and Kathryn are downsizing. It was the plasterwork and heritage charm that first enticed them to purchase the home, wooed by the well-preserved leadlight windows, ornate fireplaces, polished pine floors and decorative ceilings.
“It’s a bit of a jaw-dropper when you first see the ceilings,” says Michael.
“In one sense, we loved the ornateness of the home, but also because of the locale.
“The girls went to Annesley College, just around the corner, there’s lots of shopping and it’s close to the city and transport, so it met all of our criteria.”
About 10 years ago, the family added a modern rear extension, continuing the theme of high ceilings and decorative cornices.
They built a Jag Kitchen and added folding glass doors that open to the alfresco area, creating the extra space needed for hosting gatherings and family events.
There’s a good reason for the home’s immaculate cornices, ceilings and arches – it was built soon after 1910 by plasterers TW Ingham and Sons, who are said to have used the property as their family home and also to show off their work.
“It’s got a unique history,” says Michael.
“All of the ornate trimmings – the ceilings, the arches – are all a product of the Inghams family who were specialist plaster manufacturers way back when.
“They resided in the property and also used it as a show home for their product and that’s why it’s just got such magnificent ceilings and arches throughout.”
With one daughter teaching at Port Lincoln and the other also having moved out, Michael and Kathryn have made a decision to downsize, but hope to stay in the area.
“It’s emotional because we love the house. It’s not a step that’s been taken lightly, but there’s a reality in that it’s a large home and the space is superfluous for us.”
Michael says he and Kathryn have developed a connection to the property, having called it home for the past three decades.
“The hardest part is going to be moving out, having lived there for so long and having experienced so many celebrations and made plenty of memories,” he says.
“We’ve had the benefit of very good longstanding neighbours who are lovely people.
“We figure that another family could put the home to better use than we currently are.”
The home is orientated almost directly north-south, with the morning sun streaming in through the front and then the afternoon light filtering through the trees into the back yard and pool area.
“My favourite thing to do at home is to just sit out the back with a beverage, soak up the outdoor space and watch the world go by,” says Michael.
“I’m sure that the person who buys the home will in the years to come think they’ve made a very good decision.”
The sale is being handled by James Robertson and Luke Holden of Ouwens Casserly Real Estate.