Through delicately-designed wrought iron gates and up a red brick driveway sits ‘Elm Tree Lodge’, an exquisite 1930s Tudor built on a 2092 square metre block on one of Adelaide’s most desirable terraces.

Katie and Greg Ambrose-Pearce purchased the property in 2020 when they moved from Darwin to Adelaide so their sons could attend Prince Alfred College.

“My husband boarded at Prince Alfred College from year eight to year 12 back in the ’80s and had the time of his life,” Katie says. “He formed so many lifelong friendships in boarding school.”

The couple wanted the same experience for their sons but didn’t want to separate the tight-knit family because of boarding school.

“We opted to move rather than have the boys board and Greg has just travelled back and forth between here and Darwin for work.”

Katie and Greg own and run car dealerships in Darwin and have recently acquired the Jarrett Motor Company in Bridgewater with plans to open more dealerships in Mount Barker.

Greg had always wanted a beautiful Tudor home in Adelaide, so the property at 16 Wootoona Terrace, St Georges was a dream come true.

“We came upon this property very fortunately as it was off-market at the time,” Katie says.

“It was on a really, really hot day; I remember it being about forty degrees and it just felt right.

“Walking out the back it had a real Northern Territory tropical feel with the pavilion and the pool, and when the agent said we could look around by ourselves we started jumping up and down knowing this was the home for us.”

The property’s quaint facade opens to reveal a grand five-bedroom, five-bathroom home abundant with character charm melded seamlessly with modern touches.

“We reconfigured a few rooms internally and kept it quite open plan because we love being around each other.

“Even the kids’ rumpus room is open plan because it’s nice to be able to walk past and say hello.”

The home is an entertainer’s dream with its large kitchen, outdoor pavilion, tennis court and heated swimming pool and spa.

“The kids are always home and they have their friends over all the time for a party or to play tennis on the court,” Katie says.

“I feel as though we don’t even go out much because our friends always want to come here – there is nothing like a good steak and a glass of red wine in the backyard.”

The couple even hosted Prince Alfred College’s pre-formal gathering in the backyard with more than 240 guests.

“It was an absolutely incredible night. We didn’t need to put marquees out because the weather was beautiful and everybody enjoyed mingling on the tennis court and beneath the pavilion.”

“Another entertaining highlight for me was Christmas just gone,” Katie says.

“I come from a large family of five children and my whole family came down from interstate so we had all the nieces and nephews and it was the best Christmas ever.

“My family is a little bit competitive so there was definitely a lot of competition on the tennis court and we played a bit of backyard cricket as well.”

With their eldest son having moved back to Darwin for work, their middle son in his final year of school and their daughter boarding at Timbertop Geelong Grammar School next year, the couple is ready for their next adventure.

“I feel like we might end up as a sort of empty-nesters and so we have bought a farm down at Hindmarsh Island and built a forever home that our children can one day bring their children to,” Katie says. “I was born and raised on Hindmarsh Island so I will be going back to my roots.

“Plus, I think it is time for another family to come and have plenty of fun in this house just like we did.”

The sale is being handled by Angela Stentiford and Michael Stentiford of Ouwens Casserly Real Estate.