238 Carclew Road

Penfield Gardens SA 5121

As several of the original Trustees of the Church moved further afield or passed away and the influence of the popular and charismatic figures of the early Methodist Movement subsided the parishioner numbers dwindled until in 1919 regular services ceased at Carclew. The Chapel and adjoining property were still well cared for by the Trustees right up until the last formal service was held at Carclew on 15th October 1950, an event that attracted over 250 people from across the district along with the descendants of the Roberts, Heaslips Rowes, Magors, Crittendens, Jones, Butchers, Johns, Taylors and other early families of the Peachy Belt. After which the furniture and chattels along with the original church bell were sold to the Anglican Church at Lobethal so ending the first chapter in this properties story.

After that last service in 1950, the chapel fell into disrepair and eventually acquired by the Munno Para District Council in 1965. The next 30 years were not kind to the site's of abandoned local chapels of the greater northern area as the Uleybury, Old Spot, Petworth, Gawler River and other Chapels and Cemeteries, including Carclew, were heavily vandalised and left sadly in a state of serious disrepair. Unlike many of its contemporaries, Carclew somehow survived until being secured by the current occupier who has spent most of the last 2 decades turning the tide of dilapidation and returning the Chapel back to beyond its former glory and building on to create a versatile residence that will stand as a remarkable testament to a history long since lost to memory which will certainly stand the test of time.

And so we find ourselves in 2020 and in awe of the masterful craftsmanship, tenacity and imagination of the current proprietor who saw potential when many would have turned the other way and possibility when others would have not and the reward is here for all of us to admire.

The Circa 1870 Chapel has been painstakingly restored by hand using time honoured techniques to recreate the building in a style the original Trustees would be proud of. From replacing the roof to reinstalling the floor to replacing, repointing and redecorating the stonework there is not a square inch of the chapel that has remained untouched in my vendors pursuit of a respectful restoration of this well loved early building of the district.

The adjoining hall was carefully constructed from scratch and although melds many of the original colonial elements of the chapel, it is a relatively recent addition. From the wood ladened gables to the retention of architectural features of the settler period, the extended area perfectly fuses the mid 19th Century era of the chapel with a modern interpretation of the popular French Provincial Style to create an unmistakable and undeniably enchanting ambience that is sure to be the envy of all who see lay eye upon it.

Flexible and fit for modern living, the Chapel is now disposed as the main entry to the home with 2 generous bedrooms built to make the most of the open space and the large formal lounge centering the room around what would have been the location of the pulpit which is framed beautifully by reimagined plasterwork enshrining the space.

You are encouraged to discover more as you flow across the gorgeous polished wooden floors from the chapel to the adjoining hall that houses all that one needs for practical and modern living. The large open living areas enable you to dispose of this flexible space in any number of ways. French Provincial themes entice the eye and are good for the soul and feature in the spellbinding kitchen and, perhaps, are best exemplified by the enchanting bathrooms.

The impressive mezzanine means that where ever you may be in the living area you can admire the efforts required to execute the elegant wooden ceilings that you simply can't help but admire with each ensuing glance.

Upstairs is an exquisite parents retreat that makes for a private suite with bathroom, additional living space, master bedroom and balcony taking in the Mediterranean inspired plaza below. For those familiar with loft apartments or warehouse conversions, there will be elements to this design that will lead you to feel that this area is almost self containable and yet can be disposed in any number of ways to best suit your ever changing lifestyle.

Architectural features entwine with intricate details to make for a property that takes more than one inspection to fully appreciate. Even after several visits, this property continues to surprise and delight with details aplenty.

Between the Chapel and the garaging, rumpus and undercover entertaining area is a palatial plaza reminiscent of those found in Milan, Tuscany and the Mediterranean with an Australian flavour. Mature gums interplay with red brick paths and patios creating the perfect backdrop to any special occasion or simply the ideal space to relax and unwind at the end of a busy day.

For those seeking to soothe the aches of the day away you will love the enclosed Zen garden and Spa area discreetly concealed in a secured courtyard.

For those that enjoy outdoor entertaining all year round you will love the open fireplace that faces the rear verandah that also shares warmth with the roomy rumpus and shedding that is also attached.

The Rumpus is perfect for those wanting a less formal space for kids to be free or a great area just to relax with family and friends in casual comfort.

Being set on nearly 2000m2 there is still ample room for storage with an enclosed yard space making the most of the dual street frontages providing easy access for people with caravans, trailers, extra cars or work vans that need to be kept securely in between use.

When you own a property like this you become the custodian of stories, myths and legends. You become a part of the fabric of the district and play your part in perpetuating and memorialising the memories of those that have come before us.

With all the hard work done 'Carclew' is ready to open the next chapter in its storied history. Our very house proud vendors have genuinely enjoyed the process of returning Carclew to beyond what its original Trustees could have ever envisaged but there is a big part of me that feels that those old men of the district would be looking down content that their house of God is now a home you can proudly call your very own.

CT: 5417/461
Land Size: 1935m
House Size: 226m
Year Built: 1870
Council: City of Playford

RLA 232366