The auction of a Klemzig home was the final goodbye for its 103-year-old vendor, one marked with a round of applause from those who attended.
Until now, she was the three-bedroom home’s sole owner, having built it in the 1970s.
A new family will write the next chapter for 14 Bowran Ave after snapping it up for $1.311m under the hammer.
Selling agent Rachel Lawrie, of Stadium Real Estate, said she felt it was important for the owner and her daughter – both of whom she wished not to name – attend the auction for closure.
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14 Bowran Ave, Klemzig.
14 Bowran Ave, Klemzig.
She even picked them up and brought them to the auction on Monday evening.
“They were over the moon with the result,” she said.
“We had 20 registered bidders and there would have been probably 80 to 90 people there.
“The auction started at $1m and quickly rose.
“The vendor was really happy a family has purchased it.”
Ms Lawrie said the vendor, whose 104th birthday is next month, had trouble hearing but otherwise was spritely, and even joked about raising the reserve price during the auction.
“The whole crowd gave her a big round of applause, everyone was in awe,” she said.
“It was just a really lovely celebration.”
The home, which is on an 860sqm block, has been well-maintained over the years, with its retro interior still appearing as good as new.
Ms Lawrie said the vendor was house proud so it was in “pristine condition” – she even made the curtains herself.
“She was a seamstress for a number of decades for RM Williams,” she said.
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14 Bowran Ave, Klemzig.
Adelaide property, houses, generic. (14 Bowran Ave, Klemzig)
Ms Lawrie said while it was an emotional sale, the vendor had accepted she couldn’t look after the home anymore.
“There was a lot of joy to the auction,” she said.
Neighbours who adored the vendor attended the auction to farewell her, including a girl about 99 years her junior.
Ms Lawrie treated her and her daughter to dinner after the auction – pies at the Bakery on O’Connell, as per the vendor’s request.
She then returned her to her nursing home with photos many children who lived on Bowran Ave had given her of themselves, as well as a gift basket and flowers from Stadium Real Estate.
English (US) · 