Heritage-listed home hits market for first time in 95 years

The distinctive two-level property at 3/730 Anzac Parade, recognisable by its clock tower and striking Italianate terrazzo design, has remained in the Adams family for nearly a century and represents a rare opportunity to acquire a piece of Australian social history.

Ray White Dulwich Hill agent Steve Kremisis is marketing the property for sale with a price guide of $1.8 million.

The property, known as ‘Bettina’ was commissioned by Mr Adams (born Joachim Tavlaidis), whose vision transformed Australian cafe culture.

On 4 November 1932, Mr Adams opened the groundbreaking Black & White 4d milk bar at Martin Place, Sydney - credited by historians Leonard Janiszewski and Effy Alexakis as the world's first establishment dedicated exclusively to milkshakes and cold beverages served at a bar.

Within its first year, the Black & White welcomed 27,000 customers per week, sparking a nationwide movement that saw 4,000 milk bars registered across Australia within five years.

The phenomenon spread globally to New Zealand, South Africa, Great Britain, and Europe.

Mr Adams’ grandson Michael Gerondis is selling the two-bedroom property with his sister and said the building had been in their family since it was built by their grandfather.

“My grandfather arrived in Australia from Greece in the early 1920s at just 14 years old,” Mr Gerondis said.

“He gave the property to my mother as a wedding present, and she owned it until her passing last year.

“My sister and I purchased it from our other siblings and undertook an extensive renovation to honour both the building's heritage and our grandfather's legacy."

For decades, the property served the local community, housing a butcher shop and pizza restaurant among other commercial tenants, before the recent restoration.

Mr Gerondis said the renovation has transformed the substantial structure into three family terraces while preserving its heritage character and original features.

"When we pulled up the carpet in the kitchen, we discovered newspaper and lino from 1937 underneath," Mr Gerondis said.

"The floorboards had never been walked on - they're pristine. We've polished them, and they're being used for the first time in nearly 90 years."