Historic Largs Bay home with links to the Royal Australian Navy to be auctioned

A grand bluestone villa that was once home to Vice Admiral William Rooke Creswell – known as the founding father of the Royal Australian Navy – has hit the market.

The upcoming auction of 429 Military Road, Largs Bay, has prompted a barrage of interest from history buffs, as well as serious buyers seeking a beachside family home.

Sir Creswell was just 13 years old when he started his naval career with Britain’s Royal Navy in 1865.

He migrated to Australia in 1879 and held various high-ranking defence positions within the various colonies, including First Lieutenant on the South Australian vessel, HMCS Protector.

In 1896, Sir Creswell and his family moved into their Largs Bay home, which became a base for discussions surrounding the establishment of an Australian naval force and hosted various defence dignitaries, said selling agent Liz Miles, of Pilgrim RE.

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The Largs Bay property at 429 Military Rd is steeped in SA’s history.

It was home to William Rooke Creswell, who is known as the founding father of the Royal Australian Navy.

It was also where discussions surrounding the establishment of an Australian naval force were held.

“I’m not exactly sure what they would discuss but they would hold meetings in the drawing room (now a bedroom) and they probably signed a lot of important papers,’’ Ms Miles said.

“I would have loved to have been there back in the day – those walls would hold a lot of stories. There’s a lot of naval history there.’’

Sir Creswell was later appointed the first Naval Officer Commanding the Commonwealth Naval Forces and, after the creation of the Royal Australian Navy in 1911, became its first Rear Admiral.

The RAN’s readiness for service at the start of the First World War is largely attributed to Sir Creswell’s lobbying and hard work.

After a period of ill health, Sir Creswell died in Armadale in 1933.

As well as its role in naval history, the Largs Bay home, known as Creswell House, was one of the earliest residences in the local district.

Built in 1882 – the same year as the Largs Pier Hotel – the home still boasts many original features, including ornate ceilings, a marble fireplace and a servant bell pull.

Ms Miles said historic French glass doors, which display the words “Liberal Club Building’’, were installed during renovations by a previous owner but she was unsure of their origins.

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It’s now a modern character home with four bedrooms and two bathrooms.

It’s attracting a lot of attention in the lead up to its auction.

The auction will be held on September 20.

Adelaide’s Liberal Club Building was constructed in the CBD in 1925 but only its facade remains, alongside the Myer Centre on North Terrace.

The home, just 200m from the beach, also has a cellar with a viewing panel in the ceiling to allow underwater views of the property’s in-ground pool, Ms Miles said.

“There was a guy that actually came to the inspection on the weekend (who used to live at the home) and said, ‘That (viewing panel) was built for me’ – he was a swimmer and his dad had made that (panel) so they could see his swimming in action,’’ she said.

Ms Miles said the home had a unique charm.

“There’s so many attributes to this property and it’s appealing to a lot of buyers,’’ she said.

“It’s a really grand property in a great location.’’

Creswell House, which has been listed without a price guide, will be auctioned on Saturday, September 20, unless sold prior.

– by Lauren Ahwan

It’s within walking distance of the beach.

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