News Corp Australia
First published 21 Apr 2025, 10:36am
It’s played host to the likes of songwriter Paul Kelly and acclaimed chamber music group Seraphim Trio but, for vendors Sophie and Nick Dunstone, the most treasured memories of their Heathpool home are the simple times spent with family.
“We have four children so we’ve always had parties and gatherings and kids coming around and we also have a huge circle of friends in Adelaide that we’ve entertained, particularly within the arts community,’’ Mrs Dunstone said.
“But it is the family times I will miss most – just all hanging out in the beautiful kitchen-diner or swimming in the pool.
“We’ve just loved being here and, for our kids, that home is the main place that stands out in their living memory.
“It’s very sad to say goodbye. This was supposed to be our forever home.’’
The Dunstones moved into 1 Stannington Ave in 2018, having purchased the substantial 1920s home, set on a lush 2444sqm estate with a heated pool and floodlit tennis court, some three years earlier, while working in Hong Kong.
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The stunning home has been given a wow-factor transformation.
It is surrounded by established gardens and mature trees.
The current owners have hosted a number of musicians at the home, including acclaimed singer-songwriter Paul Kelly.
Paul Kelly, James Ledger, Alice Keath and Seraphim Trio perform together.
Mrs Dunstone, a clinical psychologist, who with her lawyer husband founded Light Square’s Centre of Immersive Light and Art (ILA), said while the home, which had five bedrooms and gracious formal living spaces, was already beautiful, the family were keen to add their personal touch.
They engaged Proske Architects, Urban Habitats and Georgie Shepherd Interior Design to create a detached, rear studio and home theatre room which connects via a double garage to self-contained accommodation – bringing the total number of bedrooms on the spacious property to six.
Mrs Dunstone said the acoustics in the studio were outstanding and many nights had been spent entertaining friends and family with a variety of performances – although when Kelly visited in 2019, he preferred the cosy atmosphere of the formal lounge.
“We’ve had all sorts of musicians here but Paul Kelly was a real treat,’’ Mrs Dunstone said.
“He was performing with my cousin (award-winning pianist and Seraphim Trio member)
Anna Goldsworthy and they came here to rehearse.
“The entire (Seraphim Trio) group came and rehearsed here. It was very special.’’
Mrs Dunstone said a full refurbishment of the property had left no stone unturned.
Originally planning to remain in the home long-term, the family installed a new kitchen, new bathrooms with heated floors and custom American Oak cabinetry throughout.
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The home has multiple living spaces, making it ideal for family living.
One of the stunning bathrooms.
The master bedroom is light and spacious.
The rear yard with a pool lends itself to summer fun and entertaining.
While the independent studio had accommodated a number of overnight guests, it was also envisaged to one day become home to Mrs Dunstone’s parents, allowing for multi- generational living.
But, with work commitments requiring a move to Singapore, Mrs Dunstone said the family were sadly selling their home, knowing they will never find anything else like it.
“It’s an artwork in itself. It’s the kind of house that loves being full of people,’’ she said.
“You do get used to it and take it for granted a bit but, every time I go back in at the moment I’m reminded of just how beautiful it is.
“There was a lot of love and detail and care and effort we put into (the renovations).
“It’s been a thing of beauty for over 100 years and I like to think we have accentuated that beauty and made the renovation speak to the history of the place, as well as develop something wonderful.’’
The home, which is listed with Booth Real Estate, has a price guide of $6.5m to $7m.
– By Lauren Ahwan
English (US) · 