An Adelaide church transformed into a spectacular home by renowned artist David Bromley has hit the market, attracting significant interest from owner-occupiers and developers.
Bromley purchased the 1880s heritage building at 234 Port Rd, Alberton, from the Baptist Church in 1999 and converted it into his home and studio.
During his time there, the six-time Archibald finalist, one of Australia’s most famous living artists, painted a mural on one of the interior walls.
Selling agent Thanasi Mantopoulos, of LJ Hooker Mile End-Woodville, said a large mural remained on the wall but could not confirm whether it was by Bromley or the work of Adelaide fashion industry icon Carol Foord, who bought the house from Bromley in 2005.
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The Alberton property at 234 Port Rd has hit the market.
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It was once a church, but Australian artist David Bromley transformed it into a house.
David Bromley with his works based on Sesame Street characters in his gallery in South Yarra. Photo: David Caird
The property in Alberton has seven bedrooms and two bathrooms.
Ms Foord, founder of Toffs and Wild Child Style Lab, lived in the home and also used the property as a shop for antique and reproduction furniture until about five years ago.
After battling breast cancer and symptoms of motor neurone disease, Mrs. Foord died in 2024 and the church property is now up for sale through her estate.
Mr Mantopoulos said there was strong interest in the property, which consisted of three separate titles on a sizeable 2,934 sq m plot.
The main house has seven bedrooms, an open kitchen, two bathrooms and several
“adaptable rooms (that) are open to reinterpretation,” according to the sales listings.
An adjacent Great Hall retains the original stained glass windows, pressed metal ceiling and World War I pipe organ, although Mr Mantopoulos was unsure whether the organ was still in working condition.
A 1960s addition called the Courthouse had French doors that gave direct access to the property’s private courtyards.
“This is probably the best (church conversion) I’ve seen in the western suburbs,” Mr Mantopoulos said.
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David Bromley and his wife Yuge, a fashion designer. Photo: Jake Nowakowski
The property is located on a corner block of 2934 m².
It used to be Alberton Baptist Church.
It spans three titles and is a major part of Alberton’s history.
“It’s very rare that there are some really nice heritage features there and it’s still in very, very good condition.
“It is a unique opportunity for several generations.”
The main church buildings were listed as monuments, which prevented their demolition.
However, one title, with double street frontages and an area of 1,643 sq m, had no heritage restrictions, prompting inquiries from several developers, Mr Mantopoulos said.
Interest was also high among owner-occupiers who wanted to use the property as a home and retail space, he said.
“Many people (within Alberton) have asked if it (the church) is heritage (listed) and they are encouraged that it is,” Mr Mantopoulos said.
“They expect the land portion of the property to undergo some redevelopment, but they are pleased that the buildings will be retained.”
Alberton Baptist Church opened in 1964, but after the church was sold to Bromley the congregation merged with Semaphore Baptist Church and moved to nearby Queenstown, according to the Port Adelaide Historical Society.
The property will be auctioned on February 11 at 12:30 p.m. No price guide has been announced.
– by Lauren Ahwan
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