Huge Adelaide auction event to hit a six

ONE half of a transformed 1900s cobbler’s factory will go under the hammer this Thursday, March 21 at Ray White Adelaide Group and Ray White Norwood’s combined auction event at Adelaide Oval.

The Auction Extravaganza will see more than 40 properties go up for sale, totalling around $20 million, including part of an original cobbler’s factory at 9 Rutland Place, Adelaide.

The once private residence of Steven and Olivia Ly, purchased early 2017, underwent a major conversion of the existing warehouse-like factory into two three-storey contemporary townhouses.

The couple has held onto one townhouse, while listing its “mirror image” next door with some stylish feng shui design variations to harmonise with the surrounding environment.

“It was really just one big quirky converted warehouse property when we bought it, which had had some work done to it,” Mrs Ly said.

“We love the property's uniqueness and the historic appeal, as it’s quite unique. A real collector's item of sorts and right in the city, so the location is incredibly convenient. In what other capital city can you get this type of property and walk 10 minutes and be right in the middle of the CBD?”

The couple project managed the building works (with guidance from a builder) over a period of almost two years, sourcing many of the new materials which blend beautifully into original features including high ceilings and stained-glass windows.

Materials which couldn't be found had to be custom-made to blend into the existing structure.

“We really wanted to make it more contemporary but love the tie back to its historical form,” Mrs Ly said.

“It’s so nice to see those traditional industrial features, like the spiral staircase from the second to the top floor. We actually replicated that staircase, at great expense, in the second townhouse to make sure both homes remained very similar.”

The three-bedroom, two-bathroom residence on the market features a rooftop terrace overlooking Adelaide, as well as Smeg appliances, original jarrah floors, engineered marble benchtops, a high-tech security system, reverse cycle air-conditioning, automatic roller door, veranda, two balconies and a garage with the capacity to install a parking lift.

It’s not the first renovation project for Mr Ly, but it may just be his favourite.

“Steven has done a few but I have to say he’s really proud of this one; an absolute standout," Mrs Ly said.

“It’s the best one he’s done. We didn’t hold back on investing in the quality of the home and I am pretty sure you can tell given the final product.”

Ray White Adelaide Group’s Jordan Ekers is managing the auction campaign of 9 Rutland Place.

“We’ve had great interest from buyers, with around 60 groups through already,” Mr Ekers said.

“Everyone is interested in this property, including people who came here two-and-a-half years ago when I sold it. This is such a unique find - an old cobbler’s factory in the heart of the city that has been converted into a luxury townhome.”

Mr Ekers is also taking a second warehouse conversion to auction on the same evening at The Auction Extravaganza.

The beautiful solid three-bedroom, one-bathroom home at 26 Crowther St, Adelaide needs “a bit of work front to back” but is a blank canvas for a buyer to add their own touch and enjoy life in the heart of the city.

Thursday's event is in The Premiership Suite at the Adelaide Oval.

There will be a mini property expo on the day, while bidders can register for the event from 5.30pm with the first auction call at 6.30pm.

“We taking just over $20 million worth of property to auction on the night,” Ray White Adelaide Group principal and auctioneer Brett Pilgrim said.

“Buyer interest has been really good with a lot of our agents struggling not to sell prior. I would think we’d have anywhere up from 100 people in attendance.”