"Rathmines" – Impressive landmark residence designed and built by late 1880s Adelaide architect Alfred Wells on 1109sqm.

Rarely does a home with such rich history and unique Victorian architectural characteristics, including a circular turret tower become available for sale. Built in 1905 by the renowned Adelaide architect Alfred Wells, his distinct love of the Queen Anne period inspired his turret design, and he used a mixture of sandstone, bluestone and red brick to create a unique and distinctive facade. Wells was famous for designing landmark South Australian buildings such as Adelaide Arcade, the Women's & Children's Hospital and the Norwood Town Hall.<br/><br/>Situated on a corner allotment, this pocket of Collinswood is filled with grand and elegant local heritage-listed homes, making it one of the most enviable locations.<br/><br/>The home's large grand formal rooms, distinct traditional period features and bespoke interior designs, such as the dining room's curved raised ceiling – a rare and expensive building technique at the turn of the century, have all been beautifully preserved. Leadlight windows, polished timber floors, chandeliers and moulded plaster ceilings are a reminder of the architect's love and the detail he created for his wife and four children.<br/><br/>The home's flexible floorplan is perfectly workable and suitable for today's modern family; the current owners had engaged Williams Burton Leopardi architects (plans available) to reconfigure and add incredible modern features such as steel, expansive glazing, timber battens and using the existing red bricks in a re-laid open format to add a modern twist. The plans offer reconfigured use of the original home while building on to maximise family living and integrate the connections to the outdoors.<br/><br/>Perfect as-is, the home offers up to 5 bedrooms plus study, formal living and dining rooms, 2 bathrooms, 2 WCs, an eat-in kitchen & open plan L-shaped north-facing family room plus a versatile sunroom/playroom. The home has a wine cellar plus an alfresco undercover entertaining area. <br/><br/>Beautiful established grounds and gardens surround the home as well as the double side-by-side garage with three different access points from the road. Features include:<br/><br/>- Granite benchtops in kitchen with gas cooking plus dishwasher<br/>- Gas heating<br/>- Reverse cycle a/c including split system & wall unit<br/>- Ceiling fans<br/>- Electric front gates<br/>- Security alarm & NBN connected<br/>- Large underground cellar<br/>- Zoned to Walkerville Primary, Adelaide & Adelaide Botanic High schools<br/>- Close to schools/colleges and public transport links