A lovingly restored mid-century family home in one of Adelaide most sought-after suburbs is on the market for the first time in three decades.

Words Ben Kelly

An immaculately renovated mid-century home on more than 3200 square metres is this week on the market for the first time in almost 30 years.

Adrienne Barkla is selling 13 Robe Terrace, which was owned by her mother Felicity Martin until she passed away a few months ago. With a passion for architecture and design, Adrienne moved into the home to renovate the property and bring it back to its former glory.

Homes on this premium strip are very tightly-held, but some of Adrienne’s neighbours have also sold within the past five years. A mansion two-doors down went for just shy of $5 million, next door sold for just over $4 million, and the property at number 8 sold for more than $5 million a few years ago.

“Only a handful of homes have sold in 30 years, they’re usually very rare,” Adrienne says.

The mid-century modern classic was built in 1960 with large rooms, picture windows and 3.3-metre-high ceilings.

For Adrienne, a psychologist who first studied architecture and has also completed a master’s degree in fine art, the five-year renovation has been a project close to her heart. The home was her mother’s pride and joy.

“My mother adored it. She absolutely loved this house and it is very much the end of a family era. I’ll miss it, but it’s the right time.”

Characteristic of the area, the property sits on a large block with an outlook to the adjacent parklands. Adrienne’s children and now her grandchildren have spent many summers at the property, using the tennis court and swimming pool.

“It’s the sweet spot of Robe Terrace at the top of the hill,” she says. “It’s a fabulous place, you feel like you could be anywhere in the world.”

“The city is literally five minutes away, and North Adelaide is at your fingertips. You can hear all the big concerts and see the fireworks.”

With the home set back from the Robe Terrace frontage, the low-maintenance gardens and large trees create the feeling of an oasis.

With its chandelier, the grand foyer creates an impressive entryway for the sunlit home, with hallways flowing to the rooms with sweeping views of the grounds through the floor-to-ceiling windows.

Adrienne had the old carpets removed to showcase the original Tasmanian oak floors throughout the property. The home boasts marble fireplaces, elaborate cornices, timber joinery, ornate finishes and chandeliers, complemented by the sparkling kitchen and bathrooms. There are two en suites and a powder room.

The refurbished modern kitchen overlooks the pool, while the elegant formal dining room features vintage wallpaper and is perfect for family dinners.

Adrienne maintained the mid-century feel of the home, with a tasteful combination of classic and modern features. She says the styling of the home perfectly suits classic furniture and artwork. This was important for Adrienne, as her mother was an avid antique collector.

“It’s the feeling about the property I love most; it really does have a lovely soul. There are enormous picture windows in almost every room and, as you move through the home, every window gives a different view of the gardens. It’s a very easy house to live in.”

“It’s wonderful for entertaining. I also love sitting in my chair, looking out the window and reading the paper. It is a family house full of memories,” she says.

Adrienne grew up in Medindie on the original three-acre “Myrtles” estate, which was later subdivided into Myrtles Court. Today, it’s a prestigious locale with mansions that have sold for as much as $5 million.

Number 13 Robe Terrace echoes Adrienne’s memories of her previous family homes.

“It has a peaceful family atmosphere and contains many memories, but it’s still very glamorous.”

The sale is being handled by Kay Morris and Tim Gu of LJ Hooker.