Leabrook mansion tipped to break new state record
It’s hosted royalty and now this Leabrook mansion – on almost 7000sqm – could be yours. But, with its selling agent saying it could eclipse the state record of $13.5m, it won’t be going cheap
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A grand Leabrook mansion that once played host to British royalty can now be yours, with its selling agent saying he expects it set a new state record – eclipsing the $13.5m The Advertiser exclusively revealed yesterday paid that was for a North Adelaide home.
The family home of almost 70 years of the late Elizabeth “Bardie” Penfold Simpson and Tom Simpson has hit the market, offering plenty of character charm and room to move on its whopping 6496sqm allotment.
Both household names, Mr Simpson’s family ran a successful whitegoods manufacturing business while Mrs Penfold Simpson’s family found fame and fortune in winemaking.
She would later go on to receive an OAM for her fundraising efforts that benefited numerous SA charities.
The late couple bought the 1890-built bluestone villa at 39 Rochester St shortly after they were married in the ’50s, with Mrs Penfold Simpson’s eldest grandson Tom Simpson, who is selling the estate with his extended family, saying it was their pride and joy.
“They were both incredibly proud of this property and it was a special space to them and one they relished sharing with others,” he said.
“In the ’80s she (Bardie) was even contacted and asked if she’d be interested in hosting the Duke and Duchess of York, and they spent five nights at the property.”
The 1890-built bluestone villa – which has a formal sitting room, a formal dining room, five bedrooms, a library, a grand entry foyer, casual dining and living areas and a cellar – is surrounded by botanic gardens-like grounds over two titles and is complete with a pool, a tennis court and a two-bedroom caretakers residence.
Flanked by two properties at number 35 and 45 available for purchase either together with number 39 or separately, it gives buyers the opportunity to own a landholding of some 9040sqm in the heart of the inner-eastern suburbs.
“Between the grounds and the tennis court and swimming pool, it has a wonderful resort feel about it,” Mr Simpson said.
“It really is a very special opportunity for someone.”
With a lot of the family interstate now and owning properties that suit their needs, Mr Simpson said the time had come to sell.
“We think it’s time for another family to create those same wonderful memories we have of the property and love it like we have,” Mr Simpson said.
“We would really love to see a family fall in love with it like my grandparents did.”
Selling agent Jamie Brown of Booth Real Estate said the property would likely set a new benchmark for prestige SA real estate, even if purchased without the two adjoining properties.
“Homes of this character, position and land size are not seen for sometimes 20 or 30 years, and in this case its 70,” he said.
“I’m confident it will surpass the current state record of 70 Pennington Tce in North Adelaide,” he said.
“Once its gone, it’s gone and I don’t think you’ll see it for sale for some time, and to my knowledge there’s nothing else in the city fringe that comes close to this land size.”
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