Having sold out of their refrigerated transport business and now semi-retired, Anthea and Kelvin Armistead have put their gorgeous home at 403 Military Road on the market so that they can return to farm life.

The four-bedroom home will go under the hammer on Saturday, January 29.

Extensively renovated just two years ago with striking interiors designed by Judy Fargher, the home combines character features and the latest mod-cons with a soaring pitched-roof extension that is all about entertaining.

The couple will leave behind great memories, particularly numerous parties and gatherings for which the couple would often organise bands and musicians to play.

The couple both hail from trucking families and Kelvin previously worked as a truck driver himself.

Together they started out operating a farm near Murray Bridge before relocating in 2007 as their refrigerated transport business grew in size and moved its headquarters to Adelaide.

“We shifted down to North Haven with our business and we first rented on the water when hubby happened to be going up Military Road one day and saw this home – he immediately fell in love with it,” says Anthea.

“It was in a really old state, but we loved it and bought it in about 2009.

“Being set back from the beach means you’re protected from the weather, but it’s close enough that you can still feel part of the beach.

“Largs Bay is a beautiful area with beautiful old character homes and good people around.”

The couple worked closely with image consultant and interior designer Judy Fargher to create a stunning bespoke renovation and extension sympathetic to the villa’s heritage character.

Attention to detail and flow between rooms was key, from the door handles to the chandeliers, modern appliances, furniture and pendant lighting.

Cornices and skirting in the new spaces were created to match the existing plasterwork in the original rooms.

A second decorative archway was created as a mirror of the original and provides a transition point from the existing home to the new open-plan living pavilion.

A soaring pitched roof allows light to filter into the open plan kitchen and living, with bi-fold windows and doors that set the scene for parties and gatherings.

The master bedroom offers an en suite that is more like a private spa room with authentic limestone raw tiles, underfloor heating, heated towel rails, surround sound speakers, a makeup station and even a smart TV.

“Everyone who comes here just loves the en suite – it’s like your own retreat,” says Anthea.

“You can be sitting there in the spa and watching whatever is on your Smart TV and just drift away.”

Even the second bedroom is lavish enough to be a master in its own right with a Velux skylight, built-in robe and en suite with heated towel rails, underfloor heating and sensor lights.

The third bedroom also has an en suite and its own private courtyard.

The gourmet kitchen is decked out with carefully-considered mod cons such as a wine fridge that is built into the island bench.

Then there are self-closing drawers, built-in Liebherr fridge and freezer, and Neff appliances including an oven, steam oven, warmer, induction stovetop, built-in coffee machine and cup warmer.

The kitchen is topped off with a soft touch Miele dishwasher, plumbed filtered water and a stacker servery window.

Anthea says that while the house is perfect for summer, it is a cosy home in winter when the working fireplaces and underfloor heating come into their own.

“We’re from the country, so we love fires and we’ve made great use of the fireplaces,” she says.

“With the fire going and nice dinner around the table, a bottle of red, it’s just beautiful.

“It’s probably a shame we’re not selling in winter because the fires really do create such great atmosphere.”

Separate to the home is a garage and rumpus room – great for social occasions when visitors make the most of games of pinball and pool.

Then, there are solar panels, a connected sound system throughout, security cameras, pop-up sprinklers, alarm system and smart TVs in each room.

It has made a great family home with both of Kelvin and Anthea’s children having previously lived with them there and enjoyed all it had to offer.

“We decided to keep the lawn because in this day and age, there are so many apartments going up and we really wanted to keep the bit of green space in case a new owner might be a family with children.”

The sale is being handled by Sophia Pampena of Ray White Real Estate.