Renovate or detonate – what would you do to this grand Malvern home?

Facebook users have had their say on a grand Malvern home on a 2229sqm allotment currently for sale and facing the wrecking ball – and, once sold, they overwhelmingly want to see the home preserved.

A post on The Advertiser’s Facebook page announcing the sale of 59a Malvern Ave, Malvern – which could be developed – this week has attracted almost 200 comments, with the majority of followers saying it would be a tragedy to lose the character property.

The stunning home at 59A Malvern Ave, Malvern as seen from Cross Rd. Supplied

“To bulldoze that would be an absolute travesty. I have admired that house for three decades! I wish I could buy it,” one said.

“Should be a listed building. We are losing too many beautiful buildings that should be kept. Many other countries do it and many are much older, but being preserved. We should follow them,” said another.

“It’s sad we don’t appreciate or protect many of these beautiful old homes. That type of craftsmanship just doesn’t exist nowadays,” said yet another.

This one didn’t mince their words:

“STOP destroying our history!!!!!”

The grand home at 59A Malvern Ave, Malvern, which could either be renovated, or demolished and subdivided. Supplied

A spectacular living area looking out over the rear yard. Supplied

Meanwhile some followers were more pragmatic.

“It will get demolished. The land is far more valuable,” one said.

“It will be demolished and six Lego house’s built on the one block,” said another.

“Isn’t this what SA does? Knock everything down. There will be no history for this State,” another said.

“Keep in mind the council likes more rate payers on the blocks,” said a fourth.

And another chimed in with: “10 triple story units, shared pool, 30 bins out front.”

One seemed concerned about the current undersupply of housing.

“Rip it down & build another couple of affordable housing apartment blocks.”

The grand gentleman’s bungalow at 59a Malvern Ave, Malvern, which sits on an 83.8m long block between Cross Rd and the parallel Malvern Ave, and has 27.43m frontages on each, is currently on the market without an advertised price guide.

Selling agent Marina Ormsby of Fox Real Estate – who would like to see the home renovated rather than demolished and developed – said, with interest for this grand Malvern property split 50/50 between revonators and developers, time will tell if this historic mansion is saved from the wrecking ball or bowled over to make way for “at least three” new homes.

Ms Ormsby said the property offered a rare opportunity to a savvy buyer, whatever their vision for it was.

The detailed iron and timber work on one of the home’s doors. Supplied

A look at the home’s ornate stone work. Supplied

“This property could take a bit of time to find the right person who appreciates it and is up for doing what the next step requires,” she said.

“Some people get put off by the main road, but in all honesty it’s so far back that it’s so quiet and you would have no idea that the house is fronting a main road.”

The home, which is set well back from Cross Rd. Supplied

The home’s stunning fountain. Supplied

Ms Ormsby says the grand gentleman’s bungalow has already been approved for demolition but is full of character for those looking to rejuvenate it and bring it up to modern living standards.

With spectacular 3.3m ceilings and stately rooms, the home has a sweeping circular driveway and is surrounded by mature gardens.

A sparkling bathroom with feature bath. Supplied

Would you have a look at that wallpaper? Supplied

The wallpaper in this one is just as impressive. Supplied

It features five bedrooms, including a downstairs master suite with a fireplace, ensuite and direct access to a relaxing spa room.

A large kitchen has European appliances and plenty of cabinetry and adjoins a rear dining area and a formal living room, both of which open to an enclosed outdoor entertainment zone overlooking the inground pool. There is also a detached rumpus room and a cellar.

“It has been in the one family for decades but it’s time for a new chapter,” Ms Ormsby said.

The home’s spacious bathroom with island bench. Supplied

Another of the rooms, this one with gathered curtains. Supplied

A spa area perfect for relaxing year-round. Supplied

“The house is actually in really good condition – it’s such a beautiful house and it’s perfectly liveable as is.

“There aren’t many homes like that left in Adelaide – it’s still got that grandeur and it’s quite original.”

While Ms Ormsby says the home would be a big project for someone keen to renovate it, she said it would be a shame to see a property like this simply knocked over and carved up.

Some of the detailed mosaic work at 59A Malvern Ave, Malvern. Supplied

A closer look at the impressive stonework. Supplied

“I’d love to see it brought back to its former glory and for someone to maintain the beautiful residence and bring it up to 2024 standards and really give it the amenities that it needs,” she said.

“Especially in the inner city, to be able to maintain these bigger parcels of land would be fantastic.”