93 Main Road

Glenalta SA 5052

In the homeowners own words...
Why did you choose this home?
The grace and character of this home shone through and knowing it was built circa 1925 implied so many stories to discover and retell which was really enticing. It turns out the original owner was an artist, SBJ, and some treasures were left here which we have on display. We could clearly see the home's potential the traditional bungalow layout combined with ample space encouraged a natural transformation from a 2-bedroom bachelor's residence to a 4-bedroom-plus study family home and still plenty of room for outdoor games and play in such a tranquil setting.

Is the home easy or ideal for entertaining?
This home is absolutely perfect for entertaining! From sunset drinks on the wide, western-facing verandah, to the open plan living space, to basking under the canopy of the gorgeous blue gum around the fire. The broad rear verandah suggests year-round gatherings with views out to Ackland Hill and the valley of Warriparri/Sturt River all with good fencing that allow plenty of room for the kids and pets to enjoy.

What is the best part about living in the home?
The most peaceful would have to be lounging on the daybed in the shade of the gums.
For kids, it would be your very own Nature Play space or heading up to the oval to play in the cricket nets, shoot hoops or kick the footy. For family it would be having room to breathe, room to grow, and enjoying the sense of security Glenalta provides. The most convenient would definitely be the proximity to the city (11km), to Brighton beach (11km) and a short 2 km walk or bike ride to the village convenience of Blackwood.

Any aspect of the home that gets the winter sun or is cooler in summer or warmer in winter?
Double red brick in the original front of the house, which is awesome insulation for summer heat, winter weather and sound from outside and between rooms. Double glazed family area and floor to ceiling windows for light, bright, healthy living. Large north facing windows maximise the full winter sun and wide eaves and verandahs protect from direct summer heat. Great for the environment and meets Council and energy standards. The waffle pod concrete slab insulates the house from the earth, and combined with large northern windows, enables thermal mass heating, reducing the need for and cost of heating. Walls, ceiling and floor are insulated.

What do you like about the location, e.g. walk to shops/cafes, close to precinct?
We love walking through the gentle hills to the renowned Sheoak and Joan's Pantry cafs. Our dog loves running through Dunn's Reserve, literally 'around the corner' off Byrne Street.
The girls love riding their bikes and running around here a stone's throw to Belair National Park, Blackwood Forest and the Sheoak Road trail to Crafers.
My nephews love the challenge of the mountain bike trails that run off Old Belair Road.
Walking in the Watiparinga Reserve Eden Hills is stunning

The Catholic Church, yoga studio, quality Childcare Centres, Belair Jean Bonython Kindergarten, Belair Primary, St John's Grammar School and ELC are all within a very short walk. A few minutes down the hill are Scotch and Mercedes Colleges.

It's a reciprocal community we all support each other. We shop local and both of our girls worked in part-time local jobs. It is a lifestyle. It's unique. It's a mindset and it's living with integrity.

What is your favourite part of the home?
It's the view as you hang out the washing from the top terrace taking a moment to relish the sense of space from the top of one hill looking over to the top of another. Looking through the floor to ceiling windows to the valley to get a sense of the day's weather the morning mists, the afternoon golds - and the world's peace. It makes you just 'breathe'. A maximum of natural materials have been used in this house you are surrounded by timber, ceramics, kiln-fired bricks, terracotta tiles. This is health for you and for the earth.

Anything in particular you like or designed in the outdoor area?
Probably the best bit is what's called in landscaping books "The Great Lawn". Levelling and greening that gorgeous space in the back garden and planting out the border with beautiful local, water-wise natives and deciduous trees gives stunning, all-year round displays. In fact, the whole property has been landscaped with carefully chosen trees, shrubs and groundcovers that enhance the visuals but also offer corridors for birds, bees, butterflies and fauna.

Any work you have completed on the property and anything about that you can tell us?
German-made kitchen bench tops
Best quality frameless shower screens from Regency Glass & Highgroves
Insulated underfloor heating in main bathroom
Rainhead, hand-held showers and all tiles from Beaumont Tiles
600 x 600 Byron Bay tiles easy care and cool in summer at rear
Italian ceramics in the bathrooms (sink and floor tiles)
Bosch dishwasher
Westinghouse ovens and cooktop
Big Comfy bath big enough for a 6'5" bloke after a hard day on the footy oval or several kids at once

Anything you would like to mention about room sizes?
All bedrooms are double-sized with fabulous character, ceiling height and natural light. Everything about this house is BIG

What are your best memories?
Probably the parties sharing this beautiful space with family, friends and neighbours: hosting Christmas and birthdays or events just for fun. Sitting together for the family meals around the spacious table in the spacious living area and sharing a few jokes.