Regional SA home that was Whyte Yarcowie’s former police station hits market

The criminal connections of a charming bluestone home appear best forgotten, with potential buyers more interested in the serenity the property offers instead.

Selling agent Angus Barnden, of Wardle Co Real Estate, said there had been plenty of interest in the Whyte Yarcowie property at 22 Main Rd – but not a single inquiry about its history as the country town’s original police station.

That’s despite the lock-up cells still prominent in the 1897-built converted home – which has a price guide of $175,000 – and the sales listing abundantly clear about its place in South Australia’s history.

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22 Main Rd, Whyte Yarcowie.

22 Main Rd, Whyte Yarcowie.

22 Main Rd, Whyte Yarcowie.

22 Main Rd, Whyte Yarcowie.

“I thought (being a former police station) would be a bit of a drawcard (for buyers),’’ Mr Wardle said.

“There’s been a fair bit of hype around old police stations we have had for sale in the past, with (buyers) drawn to the story and the unique features of them.

“But nobody has made comment on the history of this one.

“They’re all commenting on the uniqueness and the character and the remoteness (of Whyte Yarcowie).

“I am a bit surprised. It is something a little bit out of the ordinary, with a very interesting layout.

“I thought there would be some (buyers attracted to its past as a police station) but nobody has asked for a single detail.’’

It is unknown when the police station closed but Mr Wardle said the current owners, who were now seeking to leave the district to move closer to family and health facilities, had lived in the three-bedroom home for 32 years.

He said the owners had used two original jail cells within the home for storage, with the sales listing suggesting one of the “quirky’’ cells, which is accessed via a large bedroom, could be adapted to become a walk-in robe, wine room or “creative nook’’.

The other cell, which has external access, comes with the original jail cell door, which is bound to be a talking point among guests.

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22 Main Rd, Whyte Yarcowie.

22 Main Rd, Whyte Yarcowie.

22 Main Rd, Whyte Yarcowie.

22 Main Rd, Whyte Yarcowie.

Old stables on the property have been converted to additional rooms with a lean-to, offering possibilities for further storage, hobbies or workshop use.

Mr Wardle said interest in the property had come from as far as interstate, with prospective buyers planning to make the home their weekender or permanent residence.

Despite the history and novelty factor of the building, he said it was unlikely to become Airbnb accommodation given the decline of the once-bustling mid north railway town.

“There’s no shops and no services in the town,’’ said Mr Wardle, adding that locals typically made a 20-minute drive to Jamestown, or further to Burra, for supplies.

“It (Whyte Yarcowie) is quite isolated. But people (who have expressed interest in the property) like that remoteness.’’

The home has no heritage restrictions and is on a 1956sqm block that offers potential for further improvements.

– by Lauren Ahwan

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