About 20 years ago I bought my first house in the UK and I became very interested in the property industry in general. This stimulated me to renovate quite a few historical properties, which subsequently were featured in renowned interior design magazines. One of these residences (that I still own) is a penthouse in an old textile mill dating back to 1870. The apartment has many fantastic original architectural features like exposed trusses, brick walls and vaulted ceilings. I fitted a bespoke freestanding solid wood kitchen, contemporary designer radiators, cast iron spiral staircase (leading to a galleried mezzanine area) and reclaimed Victorian wooden panel doors. In total I probably only lived in this dwelling for five years but have certainly got fond memories. That is why I was really enticed by North Adelaide Barn by Williams Burton Leopardi because of the similarities.
When we first emigrated to South Australia 5 years ago North Adelaide was our home for two months. This café society suburb is certainly one of the most desirable places to live in the city. It also is steeped in history and North Adelaide Barn is a great example of the style of architecture you can expect to find in this area. That is why I had to include it in a book I have recently written about Australian Architecture. It is also the only historical property to make the final shortlist as the rest are contemporary.
North Adelaide Barn dates back 150 years to the 19th Century and has been tastefully designed to accommodate the modern lifestyle. Design studio Williams Burton Leopardi are the creative force behind this conversion. That is why it is not surprising they bagged the coveted Award for Heritage at the 2017 AIA/SA Awards. Certainly they have combined recycled materials like salvaged timber, exposed stone together with contemporary fabrics like steel and glass. This fusion is perfectly balanced and this superb property offers the owners the highest quality of luxury living space.
To complete the picture North Adelaide Barn also has inspirational internal touches like a suspended fireplace, custom made kitchen and architectural designer ceiling lighting.
