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FEATURE LISTING: Old-world charm at Unley

University lecturer Bree Alexander is selling her charming character villa just across the road from Unley Oval with three bedrooms and living spaces that are adorned with gorgeous examples of old-world craftsmanship.

It was the location, street presence and stunning character features that Bree Alexander fell in love with at 47 Edmond Avenue, and it’s those exact attributes that she will miss most as her property goes to market at the weekend.

The 1902 sandstone villa is on a corner block of a highly sought-after tree-lined street surrounding Unley Oval.

Bree, a lecturer at the University of Adelaide, purchased the home with her family in 2018. It was move-in ready and provided the perfect space for a family with two young boys.

The previous owner had completed a renovation to create a large living, kitchen and dining space, with garaging for three cars and a detached studio that is separate from the house.

“I really do love this house, maybe I’ll buy it back,” says Bree.

“I love old homes with character and history, knowing that lots of people have started their lives here.”

Bree has recently come across a 100-year-old photograph taken from Unley Oval showing the chimney of her house clearly visible in the background.

“It was a really different time. The people are dressed as they did 100 years ago, and you can see this house standing there,” she says.

Original features are in exquisite condition including the marble fireplaces, decorative archways, ceiling roses, cornices and leadlight windows.

“You can imagine many years ago someone had painted all of the stained-glass windows, which is impressive. Then, there’s the beautiful original plasterwork in the entrance hallway.

“There are animals hidden in the cornice detailing and the boys and I have spent many hours lying on the floor and imagining stories about them and what they were doing.

“There is a little bit of magic in that house.”

The entrance hallway leads to the expansive contemporary extension, which boasts a separate living space with timber flooring as well as an underground wine cellar.

“That lounge room is a beautifully light and open area,” says Bree.

“The location was a big drawcard for us: I just loved the area.

“The home is across the road from Unley Oval, walking distance to shops and everything that we need.

“Having two boys, being across the road from the oval has been invaluable. We spent many, many hours on that oval.

“It just feels like a forever home, a place where kids can grow up and the property can be the centre of their lives.”

The home has a striking street presence and a structured front garden decorated with a large urn statue.

The front verandah is a perfect spot to sit and enjoy a drink while taking in the afternoon light.

“We’ve spent a lot of time there, particularly during lockdown; sitting out the front of an afternoon and watching the world go by.

“I would sit on the little front step to have a drink because it would get a perfect bit of afternoon sun.”

The home boasts plantation shutters throughout, a study, ducted gas heating and evaporative cooling, as well as solar power.

Striking pendant lights were installed by a previous owner.

The back yard features deciduous trees that change with the seasons and also boasts a cubby house and sandpit as well as a decorative feature mural.

“In winter the trees lose their leaves and let the sunlight in, then in spring they come out in beautiful blossoms, summer is shady so the children can play, and come autumn, the foliage turns red.”

The location is as sought-after as they come in Adelaide, with neighbours having lived in the area for some 50 years.

It also falls into the Glenunga International High School zone and is moments from Unley Primary School and Walford Anglican School for Girls.

“With the parkland and the oval close by, the location is really something that I will miss because I do a lot of running and walking.

“I’ll also miss the entrance hallway; I love it so much with those big, tall ceilings. The home just has such a presence about it.”

The sale is being handled by Luke Holden and Alistair Loudon of Ouwens Casserly Real Estate.