Distinctive Joslin castle-bungalow hybrid known for its ‘bang-up’ parties hits market

An iconic Adelaide home that is part-bungalow, part-castle is on the market for the first time in more than 60 years.

The century-old, three-bedroom Joslin residence is well-known in the inner eastern suburbs, both for its distinctive architecture and its “bang-up’’ parties.

A traditional bungalow frontage gives way to an unconventional turret over the main entry at the side of the home, which has long been a talking point among locals, according to the family of vendor Arnold Geyer.

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The Joslin property at 43 Lambert Rd is well known in the area for its distinctive turret.

The turret, which makes the home look like it’s part-castle, forms the house’s entryway.

The home has had the same owner for 60 years.

It’s not just the home’s appearance that made it so popular – it was also known for its “bang-up” parties.

“Everyone uses Google to find houses now but back then, we would just say, ‘Go down that road and we’re the house with the turret’,’’ said Mr Geyer’s daughter Steph Halliday, who grew up in the house, which is at 43 Lambert Rd.

“Because it’s on the bus route, (the home) has become a bit of a well-known feature (of the area) – it’s quite a prominent property.

“I remember my dad took me up there (to the top of the turret) to clean the gutters and just thinking I was the king of the world.’’

Mr Geyer and his late wife Dawn bought the property in the 1960s.

Ms Halliday said her mother had always been house proud and was first attracted to the exterior of the home, particularly the turret.

A former teacher at East Adelaide Primary School, Mrs Geyer would often invite pupils’ families to the home and hosted various events and celebrations.

“Mum really made it so it was a warm and inviting home to everyone,’’ Ms Halliday said.

“It was her home but it was also everybody’s home.

“We had big bang-up parties with everyone from school that would spill out (from inside the home) onto the veranda.

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The house is on a 674sqm block.

It has three bedrooms and one bathroom.

It’s dated inside but has been well maintained over the years.

It’s being sold without a price guide.

“There was always people coming and going and it was very much a bit of a hub.

“To see how many people mum would bring in and fit into the kitchen – it just blows my mind.’’

Mr Geyer, who is selling the property to move into aged care, said he would miss its gardens, particularly his beloved vegetable plot, where he grew broad beans and, according to Ms Halliday, “tomatoes that were to die for’’.

Selling agent Patrick O’Flaherty, of Harris Real Estate, said the 1925-built home, which features original stained glass and timber floorboards, as well as open fireplaces, had already attracted several interested buyers ahead of its auction on August 30.

“It is a unique character blend,’’ Mr O’Flaherty said.

“It’s almost a bit of a combination of a couple of different styles – Spanish mission and traditional bungalow.

“But the time it was built was 20 years before I would say Spanish mission was around so it really is quite rare.’’

Listed without a price guide, Mr O’Flaherty said the 674sqm property was too small to appeal to developers, making it ideal for mum and dad buyers.

– by Lauren Ahwan

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