Historic shop and home in north-west Adelaide in same family for generations for sale

Ready to step back in time? A former chemist and apothecary in north-western Adelaide has come up for sale for the first time after three generations of owners.

Inside the shopfront, there are shelves still lined with books – which come with the property – with other period features evident.

Described in the listing as having a “colourful past”, the property also comes with the original drawing room, fireplaces, and wallpaper.

Agent Kate Smith, from Harcourts Smith, said the listing consisted of two properties on separate titles, with the shop having records dating back to at least 1880 and the house alongside it to 1904.

“We have understanding that it was the chemist,” she said. “We also have been told that at one point it was potentially a former schoolhouse.”

Indeed, the heritage listing for 111 Semaphore Road describes it as a “dwelling and former chemist shop”, and a 1952 advertisement in The Port Adelaide Messenger identifies the address as the home of C. A. N. Jensen, chemist, selling cameras, films, perfumery and all medicinal requirements.

Ms Smith said from what they understood, it was where all the mixing and selling of the medicines was done.

The current owner’s family has had possession of the property since 1880, and it is now being sold as part of the finalisation of an estate.

“The original character aspects of 111 is outstanding, we’d love to see someone retain and renovate that,” she said. “And 113, that also has some beautiful character.”

“To a degree it’s liveable,” she added. “I’ve been in properties over the years that have needed far, far more work done to them.”

It was more, she said, “just bringing it back to its former glory”.

Aside from the historical charm, the pair of titles had plenty of other advantages in the form of a total of 2032 square metres of land, front and rear access, mixed zoning, and a prime location on Semaphore’s main street.

“We are expecting a really large turnout for the first open. There has been a large level of inquiry,” said Ms Smith. 

At present they weren’t quoting a price guide due to the unique nature of the home, and were waiting for buyer feedback after the first couple of open homes.

Ms Smith said it had been an exceptionally busy spring so far, with a great deal of demand for character homes and particularly ones in good locations.

Semaphore has had 16 home sales so far this year, with a median price of $717,500, and during 2018 it had 40 sales with a median of $641,500.

Adelaide’s period homes have been attracting a few eyeballs of late – in particular, Woodforde House, in Magill, seven kilometres from the Adelaide CBD.

Build in 1856, the home’s dedication to spooky decor garnered it worldwide attention, with even Time Magazine getting in on the act.