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Exeter Hall, a 150 year old building, is on the market through Ray White Semaphore after it was architecturally redesigned into a residential home.
Stewart Kirby, the principal at Stewart Kirby Design and owner of 92 Causeway Road Exeter, transformed the landmark building into a vibrant home.
“Exeter Hall has had several prior incarnations in its 151 year history. It has operated as a church, community hall and meeting space. It’s been given a thoroughly modern facelift and is now ready to embark on its colourful new future,” Stewart explains.
In describing his initial interest in the property, Stewart says the unusualness of the building caught his attention.
“I’m attracted to properties that pose architectural and design challenges. I was immediately attracted to Exeter Hall because of its scale, visual interest and connection to the local community. Architecture can be sterile if it doesn’t speak to us at a human level,” he said.
For Stewart, the property ticked many boxes: history, character, and being within walking distance of a decent cup of coffee.
“The cafes of Semaphore Road are only a stroll away, as is the beach. The location is ideal because it’s connected with a vibrant retail, cafe and restaurant scene”, Stewart said
Featuring vaulted ceilings with their original timber lining and exposed beams, the property has expansive downstairs living space, and a mezzanine bedroom and studio. Stewart’s renovation combines old and new elements to create an eclectic but contemporary home.
“I enjoy combining old with new, but always with a practical twist. I love that a 151 year old building has the ideal roof direction and angle for solar panels so it now generates its own power. The 19th century meets the 21st!”
In addition to his passion for interior architecture and design, Stewart is also a keen gardener and, together with his landscape architect colleagues, has created a gardens around the Hall’s main building.
“I wanted the garden to be an extension of the interior, so we created three additional “rooms” outside. Each area of the garden has a different character and charm. Depending on my mood, I can take a cup of tea in the shade or sit out in the sun with a cool drink on a hot day. The bird life is amazing and I feel very connected with nature when I’m outside.”
Despite its formal name of Exeter Hall, Stewart fondly refers to the property as ‘The Church’. His decision to move on is one for his career, as his professional commitments increasingly take him away from Adelaide.
“I feel that The Church deserves a more permanent resident. My friends think I’m crazy to part with it but it’s all part of the life of a design professional,” he said.
