Adelaide's grandest homes to go to auction

AN important parcel of Adelaide’s architectural history has returned to the market in fine form, after being sympathetically brought back to life by a local dedicated to heritage restoration.

When George Skrembos, director of Eastern Building Group, purchased 81 and 87 Hall St, Semaphore 12 months ago the 1890s villas were being used as an aged care facility.

“It was a very substantial building, converted from two beautiful villas to an aged care facility so a lot of character was destroyed in that process,” Mr Skrembos said.

“We restored both buildings back to their former glory, and modernised the homes entirely while enhancing the historical features.”

Mr Skrembos collaborated closely with both council and heritage consultants to recreate the appearance of the original homes, working off old photographs.

“I’m a passionate heritage restorer, and we’re currently working on renovating the former Brighton Town Hall,” he said.

“I’ve always been passionate about heritage and old buildings. I didn’t want someone else coming along and demolishing the villas to build modern homes. We’re going to sell them to someone who appreciates what they were and now are.”

Number 87 is the larger of the two homes, but both share the same meticulous finish and attention to detail with original wrought iron and column fencing, a bluestone facade, imposing verandas, triple and quadruple-sized rooms, high ornate ceilings, polished floorboards, stunning light fittings and a huge modern extension which has been designed and built to meld with the existing character and stature.

Mr Skrembos and his team worked on both buildings at the same time, with the biggest challenge being the amount of research required to uncover what the homes looked like in their heyday.

“Council had trouble uncovering the records and then once we knew what we had to work with, it was about finding the right contractors to reproduce any missing features,” Mr Skrembos said.

“We’re very happy with the end results and I know the public is very keen as we had something like 90 groups through the first open. We’re proud of what we’ve accomplished. I love history and old homes and so do the neighbours it seems as I’ve given some private tours to neighbours and people walking past who stop and admire the properties.”

Both 81 and 87 Hall St are scheduled to go to auction on Saturday, May 25 at midday through Ray White Port Adelaide principal Nick Psarros, who sold the properties to Mr Skrembos in early 2018.

“They’re both such majestic homes, truly they’re iconic Adelaide buildings,” Mr Psarros said.

“You’ve never seen such decorative cornices in your life and the lounge is like a ballroom. These properties are just so well known in the area and it’s wonderful to see the absolutely incredible transformation.”

On-site auction - Saturday, May 25 at midday