News Corp Australia
First published 27 Aug 2025, 5:00am
A former Brinkworth bank has prompted just as much curiosity from the families of past tellers as it has from serious buyers.
The historic building and attached residence at 35 Main Street opened in 1903 as the Bank of Adelaide.
It became a branch of the ANZ Bank in 1979 but closed four years later and was subsequently sold as a four-bedroom character home.
It is back on the market and being sold as a home but selling agent Chelise Zapisocki, of Harcourts Barossa Real Estate, said it could also be a business.
MORE: Sellers bring pizzas to home’s auction
The Brinkworth property at 35 Main St used to be a bank.
The original bank vault still remains in the property – former tellers’ names can be seen scrawled on the door.
Inside the bank vault.
“At the front of the property, the original bank building offers incredible street appeal and (it) could easily be transformed into a charming cafe, gift shop or boutique business catering to passing tourists and locals alike,” she said.
She said the original bank vault remained, “a nod to the property’s rich history”, while a cellar was perfect for wine storage or display.
The names of former workers can still be seen scrawled on the vault’s door.
Selling SA Homes agent Ashley Williams, who was marketing the property before Ms Zapisocki, said the door had been a talking point among those who had inspected it, including those with links to its past.
“Probably we’ve had over 30 or so (people inspect the building), including a number of families that have come to see their parents’ names on the door and to take a photo,’’ Ms Williams said in June.
“They (are children of those that) have worked in the bank and live in retirement homes now so they have come and taken photos of the names and they blow them up (enlarge them) and show them to their parents as a bit of memorabilia.’’
MORE: Buyers sought to resurrect prominent church
The kitchen includes the original wood stove along with a more modern, electric oven.
The property has one bathroom …
… and four bedrooms.
Ms Williams said an Adelaide man had purchased the property last year but ill-health had thwarted his plans to renovate the building and live there full-time.
Prior to that, it had been the home of an elderly couple, and then their adult daughter, for almost 30 years, she said.
The building’s period front exterior has been well-maintained, while a country-style, eat-in kitchen includes the original wood stove, along with a more modern, electric oven.
The home features high ceilings, spacious bedrooms, two living areas, an office and a mudroom.
Set on a 1027sqm block, Ms Williams said the ample backyard allowed for the building to be extended, if desired.
“The facade is beautiful, the architecture is amazing and it’s a fully solid brick home,’’ Ms Williams said.
“Because it was the old bank, the council want to keep the frontage as heritage but they are fine with people doing what they want inside the building.’’
The property is listed without a price guide.
– by Lauren Ahwan
English (US) · 