A notable past with a commanding presence – Awaiting preservation and future prosperity.

Oakbank House affords the purchaser a rare opportunity to acquire a unique piece of South Australian history and to enhance its original charm with contemporary creativity.

Effectively, only two families have owned the property since the Johnstons, who established the adjacent brewery, took up the original Land Grant in January 1840.

Amongst its features, the property is well known for its two entrances. The view down the main driveway, in which the avenue of mature eucalypts perfectly frame the stately two-storey home, is much admired, as is the Onkaparinga Valley Road gateway. This was designed for the horse-drawn transport of the time and features a magnificent pair of ornate cast iron gates and flanking panels with complementary Gothic style cement rendered pillars.

Oakbank House is a solid structure, built during the 1860s of predominantly bluestone and other local stone, with rendered detailing and distinctive embellishments. The architectural detail was influenced by contemporary European styling morphed with earlier continental Gothic influences.

Great proportion is maintained throughout. Together with the large central hallway, 14′ ceilings feature in some of the eight main rooms and 12’6″ ceilings in others. Considerable attention is given to detail, with fireplaces embellished with Italian marble surrounds, elegant cedar staircase, lacework, ornate ceiling moulds and complementary finishes; also, extensive handcrafted timber wall skirtings and door and window architraves.

The entrance hallway services four main ground floor rooms and the stairway to the first floor. Most impressive is the large formal drawing room with bay window and original cast iron fireplace with elaborate marble mantle-piece and surround. This room also features period wallpaper, ceiling moulds in ornate relief and the original high-mounted picture rails. Across the hallway is a smaller living room or bedroom with cedar cupboards each side of the fire place and elaborate ceiling decoration. Adjoining this room is a similar-sized den, which opens into a simple, yet delightful north-facing sun room. The fourth main room is a classic country kitchen complete with plenty of cupboards and a wood-fired Metters stove.

Upstairs also offers four main rooms plus a large dressing room (could convert to ensuite) off the Master bedroom. The Master bedroom in particular has grand proportion and a striking view down the main driveway. Two other bedrooms are also of generous size, the front one offering marvellous views in two directions. The fourth bedroom is smaller and includes a toilet.

The stone building, which adjoins the main home, was originally the billiard room and is built in a similar style to the main home. It has an ornate lofty ceiling, inbuilt feature arch, marble mantelpiece and fire surround. The timber-framed section was added 60-70 years ago when the billiard room became the living room of a discrete accommodation unit.

Adjoining is a timber-framed two car carport and small storage shed. There is a shed complex comprising an old two-stall stable (with remnant timber-cobbled flooring), space for a horse-drawn buggy and a fowl shed.

In addition to the magnificent native trees at Oakbank House, there are many mature exotics; including Bunya and other pines plane trees and a copse of Oak trees. The placement of many of these trees reflects the property’s early landscaping design.

Immediately to the north of the present home some evidence remains of the original residence, which was otherwise demolished many years ago. Most evident are the original home’s cellar (currently an underground tank), the outside toilet and portion of the structure between the billiard room and the laundry. Near the underground tank an old stone wall and small corrugated iron garden shed bound a level area which used to be a conservatory. The garden is bounded by a stone wall with rendered stone pillars and inset cast-iron fencing.

There is an old timber-framed dairy and hay shed serviced with three phase power. There is also cattle yarding and a loading ramp.

As mentioned, Oakbank House offers the purchaser the opportunity to acquire an impressive, unspoilt 19th century country home and “put their own stamp on it”. Oakbank House… A great opportunity – Indeed a once in a lifetime opportunity.