Architectural wonder in Stonyfell
Built in 1978, this unique vision of mid-century architecture has been fully restored to champion quality materials and high end finishes.
The Opera House. The Bali retreat. The vault house. This Stonyfell marvel of mid-century architecture is known by many names, after its many features.
When Edi, Dishnica and her husband found 6 Kurrajong Avenue, Stonyfell, they were captivated by its uniqueness, and they knew they needed to breathe new life into it.
“It’s a unique house, so it needed a lot of love,” says Edi, owner of Italian restaurant Gepetto’s in Hahndorf.
“We were drawn to the feel of it and the architecture.”
It is often referred to as the Opera House because of the numerous peaks that afford it a likeness to the iconic Sydney structure.
Stepping into the home, it becomes clear why ‘the vault house’ is another of its calling cards with vaulted ceilings throughout the home highlighted with raw timber, expansive skylights, and custom lighting imported from Italy.
Edi purchased their Stonyfell home in 2019 and with her husband, who was working in construction at the time, enlisting help of Sofiaa Interior Design. They undertook an extensive two-year restoration.
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“I wanted to restore it, not just do a simple renovation – to restore it to bring out the prettiness, the architecture,” Edi says.
“We started renovating straight away. It started as a simple job, but as soon as we walked in, we knew that it needed more than just a renovation.
“We needed to restore the character of the house, so we took our time and worked with interior designers.
“It needed a lift, and I’m very happy we did that, because we saved that house.
“We worked very hard for two and a half years, and put lots of love into it.
“Everything is done with love and care and quality.”
The result is a modern home that champions its 1978 roots. Originally from Europe, Edi was inspired by quality European materials with high-end finishes. Italian terrazzo flooring alongside blue gum floors, Venetian plaster, imported ply and custom-made timber doors feature throughout the home.
Underfloor heating and double-glazed windows work with the natural fireplace to keep away the chill in the cooler months.
“Every house in Europe has a fireplace on – a natural one, not a gas one, which I was very particular about,” Edi says,
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“It’s a very well-insulated house, but at the same time, there is no blockage of nature.
“The nature flows very naturally in and out of the house, in any season.”
Every year Edi and her family travel to Europe to escape the winter months, but last year Edi says she didn’t feel the need.
“The house is a retreat, so I didn’t feel as isolated as much as I have in other winters in Adelaide, because of the house.
“I always say that the house has helped my mental health because it’s a retreat, it’s a sanctuary.”
The landscaping around the house is tropical. Established palm trees and bird of paradise plants create the feeling of a Bali retreat – another of the Stonyfell property’s names.
This landscaping was already here and Edi and her husband have worked to enhance it, renovating the pool and jacuzzi, and installing a deck with a seating area.
In addition to four bedrooms and four bathrooms, the property also features a sauna and a temperature-controlled wine cellar.
“It’s a luxury lifestyle,” Edi says.
Edi and her husband are now looking to downsize and relocate closer to their restaurant and the community they have found in Hahndorf.
“This home gave us two beautiful years of living surrounded by design, nature and warmth, we hope the next owners will fee the same joy we did,” Edi says.
“I’m going to miss the serenity, I’m going to miss the warmth in the morning, the wine cellar, the wine by the fireplace.
“We hope we can replicate something similar, but I truly, truly believe this house is not repeatable.
“What they made in 1978 is very unique and I’m glad we saved it.”
The sale of 6 Kurrajong Avenue, Stonyfell, is being handled by Belle Ker and Harry Shorland of Harcourts Adelaide Hills.
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