He’s battled it out in the political arena for almost two decades, and now Liberal senator Dennis Hood hopes to enjoy another victory when he sells his North Adelaide family home after 12 years.
The former Family First Party federal director bought his 80 Buxton St home with his wife Lisa in 2014, attracted by its striking facade and uncommon-for-Adelaide design.
“We lived in Prospect and my wife and I used to go for a walk every morning and we’d always end up walking in the same street in North Adelaide and every day she’d say, ‘I really like that house’, and one day I got a bit sick of saying it and said, ‘look, if it ever comes up we’ll buy it’.
“And literally a few days later it came on the market and I had to.
That impressive turret was a huge drawcards for the Hoods. Supplied
The stunning backyard. Supplied
The elegant kitchen. Supplied
“I love the turret, the fact that it’s quite unique and I think the street’s beautiful – the location’s pretty much unbeatable.
“I walk to work most days and it’s a 15-minute walk to parliament, which is a nice bit of wind-down time when you’re walking home as well, so I really do love the spot.”
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Mr Hood said the property was quite run down when they bought it, and in the time they’ve had it the couple has made a range of upgrades to the property.
“We’ve spent a lot of money on it – we’ve added the ensuite, the outdoor room, the double garage and renovated right through – kitchen, bathroom, all of it,” Mr Hood says.
“It’s a dramatic change from what it was – in fact, we had the previous owner come through a few years back and they couldn’t believe it.”
South Australian MP Dennis Hood with his wife Lisa at their home in North Adelaide, which is on the market. Picture: Emma Brasier
How it looked when they bought it.
The original kitchen/living area.
Another view of the kitchen.
The home sits on a spacious 720sqm and has a feature cylindrical turret, four bedrooms, four bathrooms, an open-plan kitchen, dining and living area, a separate sunroom and a spacious rear yard with a swimming pool.
Mr Hood said the property had been his sanctuary and his peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of politics, although the happenings of his political sphere would often cross into his home life – happily.
“Because it’s so close, it’s easier to say let’s just shoot to my place, and we do,” Mr Hood says.
“Over meals and barbecues and bottles of wine and whatever else, the politics blends into your life and again, the location’s been so good for that.
The home after its grand renovation.
One of the bedrooms. Supplied
One of the bathrooms. Supplied
“I think if you go into parliament, you accept that there is no separation of your private life and your political life, it really does become one, especially the longer you’re there.
“And it’s not for everyone, but I’ve really enjoyed that aspect of it.
“It gives you opportunities to meet people you wouldn’t have otherwise met, and have conversations you wouldn’t have otherwise had. It’s a privilege.”
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With the couple’s daughter now spending less time at home, the time has come to sell the property, and the couple have it listed through Andrew Fox of Fox Real Estate for $3.275m.
“It’s just too big for us,” he said.
“We toyed with just staying there anyway and shutting off half the house, but that doesn’t feel right, so we thought it’s probably best to give someone else the opportunity to make the most of it and just enjoy it.
“We’ve loved it, it’s a great home, I’m sad to let it go to be honest.”
South Australian MLCs Robert Brokenshire, Dennis Hood and Federal Senator Cory Bernardi at a press conference announcing new political party Australian Conservatives. Photo: Naomi Jellicoe
Mr Hood during his time as head of Family First.
Mr Hood will celebrate 20 years in parliament next month.
“I’ve got four years left of my term and I won’t be seeking re-election, so that’ll be it for me,” he said.
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