An Adelaide church transformed into a spectacular home by renowned artist David Bromley has hit the market, attracting significant interest from owner-occupiers and developers.
Bromley bought the landmark c1880s property at 234 Port Rd, Alberton, from the Baptist Church in 1999 and converted it to his home and studio.
During his time there, the six-time Archibald finalist, one of Australia’s most famous living artists, painted a mural on one of the internal walls.
Selling agent Thanasi Mantopoulos, of LJ Hooker Mile End-Woodville, said a large mural remained on the wall but could not confirm if it was Bromley’s or was the work of Adelaide fashion industry icon Carol Foord, who purchased the home from Bromley in 2005.
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The Alberton property at 234 Port Rd has hit the market.
Once a church, Australian artist David Bromley transformed it into a home.
David Bromley with his works that are based on Sesame Street characters at his South Yarra gallery. Picture: David Caird
The Alberton property has seven bedrooms and two bathrooms.
Ms Foord, founder of Toffs and Wild Child Style Lab, lived in the home and, until about five years ago, also used the property as a shop for antique and reproduction furniture.
Having battled breast cancer and the symptoms of motor neurone disease, Ms Foord died in 2024 and the church property has now been listed for sale by her estate.
Mr Mantopoulos said there had been strong interest in the property, which comprised three separate titles on a substantial 2934sqm allotment.
The main residence has seven bedrooms, an open plan kitchen, two bathrooms and multiple
“adaptable rooms (that) are open to reinterpretation’’, the sales listings says.
An adjacent Grand Hall has retained the original stained glass windows, pressed metal ceiling and WWI pipe organ, although Mr Mantopoulos was unsure if the organ was still in working condition.
A 1960s addition, dubbed the Court Building, had French doors that opened directly to the property’s private courtyard gardens.
“This is probably the best (church conversion) I have seen in the western suburbs,’’ Mr Mantopoulos said.
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David Bromley and his wife Yuge, a fashion designer. Picture: Jake Nowakowski
The property is on a 2934sqm corner block.
It was formerly the Alberton Baptist Church.
It spans three titles and is a huge part of Alberton’s history.
“To have some really nice heritage features throughout and to still be in really, really good condition, is very rare.
“It’s a once in a multigenerational opportunity.’’
The main church buildings were state heritage listed, preventing their demolition.
However, one title, with dual street frontages and comprising 1643sqm, had no heritage restrictions, prompting inquiries from several developers, Mr Mantopoulos said.
Interest was also strong among owner-occupiers seeking to use the property as a residence and retail space, he said.
“A lot of people (within Alberton) have asked if it (the church) is heritage (listed) and they’ve been heartened that it is,’’ Mr Mantopoulos said.
“They’re expecting the land portion of (the property) to be redeveloped somewhat but they’re happy the buildings will be kept.’’
The Alberton Baptist Church opened in 1964 but, after the church sold to Bromley, the congregation merged with the Semaphore Baptist Church and relocated to nearby Queenstown, according to the Port Adelaide Historical Society.
The property will be auctioned at 12.30pm on February 11. No price guide has been disclosed.
– by Lauren Ahwan
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