Milk bar founder’s landmark home for sale for the first time in 95 years

A home linked to a heritage milk bar is up for sale.

A heritage-listed property commissioned by Australia’s first milk bar pioneer has hit the market for the first time in 95 years in Sydney’s eastern suburbs.

The two-level property at 3/730 Anzac Parade has not been listed since its construction in the mid-1930s commissioned by the entrepreneur behind Australia’s first milk bar, Mick Adams.

Known as ‘Bettina’, the residence has been in the family for nearly a century and is recognisable via its clock tower and Italianate terrazzo design.

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3/730 Anzac Parade, Maroubra

Selling agent Steve Kremisis of Ray White Dulwich Hill is marketing the property for sale with a price guide of $1.8 million.

Mr Adams (born Joachim Tavlaidis) shaped Aussie cafe culture after opening a groundbreaking milk bar in Martin Place on November 04 in 1932.

It was credited by historians Leonard Janiszewski and Effy Alexakis as the world’s first establishment dedicated exclusively to milkshakes and cold beverages served at a bar.

In the first year of operation the Black & White 4d milk bar welcomed 27,000 customers per week that was said to have influenced a nationwide movement that saw 4,000 milk bars registered across Australia within five years and spread globally to New Zealand, South Africa, Great Britain and Europe.

Inside the Black & White 4d milk bar.

Mr Adam’s grandson Michael Gerondis is selling the two-bedroom property with his sister.

“My grandfather arrived in Australia from Greece in the early 1920s at just 14 years old,” he said.

“He gave the property to my mother as a wedding present, and she owned it until her passing last year.

“My sister and I purchased it from our other siblings and undertook an extensive renovation to honour both the building’s heritage and our grandfather’s legacy.”

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The backyard of the property

The residence continued to serve the local community for decades, housing a butcher shop and pizza restaurant among other commercial tenants, before its recent restoration.

According to Mr Gerondis, its renovation transformed the substantial structure into three family terraces while preserving its heritage character and original features.

“When we pulled up the carpet in the kitchen, we discovered newspaper and lino from 1937 underneath,” he said.

“The floorboards had never been walked on – they’re pristine.

“We’ve polished them, and they’re being used for the first time in nearly 90 years.”

Mr Gerondis said the restoration has brought the iconic clock that is topped with its distinctive lightning rod back to life after 30 years of silence.

The properties original terrazzo slabs, including the full terrazzo staircases in each terrace, have been preserved and restored.

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Inside the property

The original asbestos roof has been replaced with colour-matched Colorbond steel with all electrical and plumbing services that have been comprehensively upgraded.

“Constructed with double brick, concrete floors, and full terrazzo staircases, the building’s exceptional quality remains evident today,” Mr Gerondis said.

“It’s an amazingly strong structure – practically bombproof.”

According to Mr Gerondis, most of the original building fabric has not been touched.

“The terraces are like warehouse conversions, with huge spaces and incredible potential,” he said.

“When my son lived here, the large front room that was once the milk bar became his man cave, complete with a pinball machine and basketball court.”

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