Mitcham’s million dollar rat-infested eyesore
It was once a landmark architect-designed property in one of Adelaide’s most expensive and prestigious areas. Now it’s a vandalised, rat-infested fire trap and the council seems powerless to act.
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When it was built by a high-profile South Australian it was an expensive architectural gem.
Now the property at 25 Old Belair Rd is a rat-infested fire trap, vandalised and trashed, and neighbours want the eyesore dealt with immediately.
But Mitcham Council says it can’t find the owner who owes substantial rates on the property, which has a land value of more than $1 million.
Over 20,000 motorists a day drive past the 1264sq m property above Mitcham cemetery, which boasts spectacular views to the city.
A neighbour, who asked not to be identified, told The Advertiser they had notified police and the council about the condition of the house but had received “very little” response.
“No one wants to live close to something like that,” they said.
“The council needs to act as it is a fire trap.”
The neighbour said the owner, a long-distance truck driver, had vacated the property “a while ago” but had returned regularly, often in the middle of the night, to pick up mail.
In an initial response to The Advertiser, Mitcham Council said it was “actively trying” to locate the owner to address the “unsightly condition of the land and property” and had taken action under the Fire Emergency Services Act.
“As the property is located in the Mount Lofty Ranges District bushfire area, council engaged contractors to clear the yard of long grass and undergrowth as the owner was unable to be located,” a spokeswoman said.
In a follow up email, Mitcham said it had taken out proceedings against the owner under the Local Nuisance and Litter Control Act 2016.
But as they can’t locate him, it seems highly unlikely the order will be complied with.
Mitcham has confirmed rates are outstanding on the property.
The Advertiser has discovered the house in the shape of a cross was built in the modernist Scandinavian style with wood interiors and ceilings, in the 1960s, for former long-time editor of The Chronicle newspaper, Ken Esau.
Mr Esau, who died in 1986, had close connections with the nearby Scotch College, where he attended as a student, and in later years helped produce the private school’s newspaper Scotch Reports.
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Mr Esau most famously survived a light aircraft crash with two other passengers and the pilot after the plane smashed into a wood near Hahndorf in 1969.
His injuries were so severe he had to retire as Chronicle editor.
The Advertiser has spoken with several members of the Esau family and established the current owner of the property is Ken Esau’s son, Kenneth Esau jnr.
Family members have attempted to make contact with Mr Easu at his current address.
Mr Esau has not responded to requests for an interview.