Modernised foothills oasis with panoramic views
Featuring a stunning modern extension that capitalises on panoramic views, this historic villa in the Adelaide foothills suburb of Woodforde is ready for a new owner to become just its fourth custodian in a century.
When Thornton and Amanda Harfield first stepped into 39 Norton Summit Road, Woodforde, they were drawn to its sweeping views of Adelaide and its unique history.
“We fell in love with it very much,” Thornton says.
“We had a vision for it very quickly because of the amazing views of Adelaide and the city that the property had, and we were also attracted to its history.”
Known as Adelong House, the red brick dwelling was built in 1925 by H. G. Langman, who was manager of the Adelaide Brick Company, which later became the Magill Brick Company and then the Gilburn Brick Company.
H. G. Langman’s influence on the local area continues to be recognised today, with Langman Reserve in Burnside and Teringe’s Gilburn Court named after him, as well as Kiln Court – the location of his original brick kiln.
“We’ve actually got the original contract between Mr Langman and the builder … we’ve had a professional copy framed and that’s put in the old part of the house,” says Thornton.
Thornton and Amanda purchased the property 13 years ago and have since completed an extensive renovation and extension.
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The couple restored the original villa with a glass link connecting the old with the new, enlisting architect Sally Wilson to realise their vision.
As just the third owners of the property, Thornton and Amanda felt it was important to honour its history.
“It very much is old and new. Our architect, Sally Wilson, did a very clever job in bringing together the best elements of the original home, but also allowing us to have all the modern conveniences and design elements that we wanted,” says Thornton.
Set on a block of more than 2000 square metres, the property includes a double garage, two bathrooms and three bedrooms, including the master suite, which features a spacious walk-in wardrobe and ensuite.
The couple has incorporated historic elements into their modern extension, such as reusing the original, 95-year-old New Zealand Kauri floorboards in their kitchen, as well as historic bricks for the fireplace.
“When we did the renovation, we found some of the original Magill Brick Company bricks that were in amazing condition. We’ve incorporated that in building a brand new, two-sided fireplace, which is a feature of the home,” says Thornton.
Thornton says a priority of their renovations was to take advantage of the fantastic views, as well as putting in an in-ground swimming pool, a modern office area, and a substantial wine cellar.
“There was a focus on letting the outside in, so there’s lots of glass and opportunities to see what’s outside the building from the inside,” he says.
Outdoors, the couple had the garden professionally landscaped, while retaining historic trees, which include a centrepiece macadamia tree, and adding new features such as the outdoor fire pit.
“We’ve tried to create outdoor rooms. Rather than just being one big garden, you can walk to different areas of the property and feel like you’re in a fairly private space,” says Thornton.
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The garden has several elements of historic interest, which Thornton and Amanda incorporated into the landscaping. These include mysterious old wire spreaders the couple discovered in their backyard, as well as original brick paving that was installed by L. G. Langman.
“I’ve got a local government background and I was in the Norwood Town Hall foyer where they had some lovely old photos of the Norwood tram. It turns out these scroll works were actually the wire spreaders for the tram,” Thornton tells SALIFE.
“Mr Langman must have had access to lots of bricks – there’s circular-pattern paving in the original driveway, which is quite large, and there are probably more than 100,000 of these bricks that have been laid in a series of circular patterns.”
Thornton says his favourite features of the house are the fireplace and the in-built pool, his fishpond and the walk-in wine cellar, which features a carpenter’s table, stools, artwork and memorabilia.
“Nobody can see you when you’re in the pool, but you can still look out and enjoy a drink and look at the city skyline,” he says.
“On New Year’s Eve, sitting out on our deck, we get to watch the city fireworks and all the fireworks displays up and down the coast of Adelaide.”
Thornton says it is regrettable they are selling, but that they are moving interstate for work.
He will miss the serenity of Adelong House the most.
“It is a surprisingly quiet haven given that it’s really on the edge of suburbia,” he says.
“I’ll miss the feeling of being part of continuing a story, but equally happy to pass it onto somebody else if they feel inclined that way.”
The sale of 39 Norton Summit Road, Woodforde, is being handled by Brett Pilgrim and Stefan Athanasov of Pilgrim RE.
