1 Young St, Port Elliot SA 5212

Horseshoe Bay was proclaimed as a port in 1851 and the settlement was named Port Elliot in 1852. The Old Police Station was built in 1853 as the first Government building required during that era, due to the influx of railway and port construction workers.

Two constables and a horse initially occupied then newly built premises in 1853 which consisted of a court room and lock up. Limestone was used as construction, with bricks brought from England in sailing ships as ballast being used in the quoins. In 1855 a new cell block of two cells and toilet was built with local bluestone. Bluestone was also used for the stable and 'loose box', which stored harness, bridles and saddles and horses required for that day.

The initial purpose of the port was to be the conduit for ocean and river trade by opening up the corridor between the mouth of the Murray River at Goolwa and the new port through the construction of a railway line. Major infrastructure followed with a jetty, wharf, warehousing and breakwater being completed. The viable town was supported by a hotel, a church, a harbourmaster's cottage, police station and school. In the 1870's, after a series of shipping disasters in Horseshoe Bay, Port Elliot was transformed from being an industry hub to a premier seaside destination...the story continues.

In 1961, the Government complex passed to private ownership and has not been on the open market since that time. The current owners have held the property for 22 years and have meticulously and lovingly restored the building within the Heritage guidelines to retain the charm of the era and preserve its place in history.

The front steps lead to a long verandah and stone arched entrance with granite keystone. There are four bedrooms, two of which have open fire places with original slate mantels. One bedroom was originally the 'women's holding cell' complete with bars on the window, whilst another bedroom is situated in what was once the policeman's office.

A surprising element to the residence is the elaborate renovations to what was the 'prisoners exercise yard', transformed into a striking enclosed atrium style living room with large flagstone flooring, a domed semitransparent roof that allows the light to stream through, split system air-conditioning and French doors which open onto the original prisoner cells and outdoor toilet...the adjacent two man cell is now an elegant main bathroom with claw foot bath and laundry with marble benchtops. An added feature is the use of the original timber from the prison bed, now the door!

The formal spacious lounge at the front is a delightful room to enjoy, complete with fan assisted combustion fireplace, reverse cycle split system air conditioning and jarrah floorboards.

The large galley style kitchen at the rear of the property is adjacent the atrium living space and master bedroom. The renovated kitchen has Jarrah cupboards, granite stone benchtops, Miele dishwasher and built in pantry.

With so many important features to note, this property boasts 11 feet high ceilings, polished jarrah floorboards, original stone walls throughout, tiny window boxes in the cell doors still intact from the prisoner times, feature bluestone construction on all of the outbuildings, original 'tack room' with the rings still in place to tender the waiting horses. The property has been rewired, replumbed and reroofed.

Whether as a large private residence or as holiday home use, this home offers the unique opportunity enjoy a piece of Port Elliot's history...an exceptional offering.

Outside, the stone walled enclosed private rear garden and side lawned area is perfect for outdoor entertaining. A BBQ area is tucked away under the shade of two 100 year old ciprosma trees. The large lawned formal gardens enjoy some ocean views. Off street parking for two vehicles is available.

This outstanding and rare property sits proudly at the top of Horseshoe Bay, just steps to everything that Port Elliot offers in boutique stores, hotel, wine bars, restaurants and cafes.

Every precaution has been taken to establish the accuracy of the material herein. Prospective purchasers should not confine themselves to the contents but should make their own enquiries to satisfy themselves in all respects. Harcourts South Coast will not accept any responsibility should any details prove to be incomplete or incorrect.