Lydia Kellner

Updated 1 Jun 2023, 12:54pm

First published 1 Jun 2023, 6:00am

News Corp Australia Network

From ugly duckling to property swan. 11 Ridgecrest Ave, Darlington has come a long way since its wow-factor renovation.

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It was perched high on a hill with stunning views towards the ocean.

But when time came to rouse buyers at auction, this Darlington home failed to impress – with the exception of its own agent.

Only 24 years of age at the time, Troy Law, of Harris Real Estate, had been charged with selling 11 Ridgecrest Ave in 2016, but the home’s derelict interior meant buyer interest was hard to find.

But with the property priced to sell, Mr Law decided to take a chance where others wouldn’t, with the property changing hands for $420,000.

“We took it to auction and didn’t get much interest, so half way through the campaign, I thought, why don’t I just buy it?” he said.

“Worst case scenario, I bought a block of land with a nice view.”

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11 Ridgecrest Ave, Darlington before the renovation. Pic: realestate.com.au

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11 Ridgecrest Ave, Darlington as it looks now. Pic: realestate.com.au

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The outdoor entertaining area before the renovation. Pic: realestate.com.au

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And as it looks now. Pic: realestate.com.au

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A second entertains space is found on the top floor. Pic: realestate.com.au

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Fast forward seven years and the home’s original 1960s interior has been stripped back and extended to reveal a modern, three-storey home that has – finally – buyers taking note.

Following an almost five year renovation, the property has returned to the market with a $1.6 price guide – $870,000 more than the suburb’s median house price, PropTrack data shows.

The sale is also likely to set a new residential record with the current record set at $1.4m.

Mr Law said he had always intended to sell but a lengthy renovation meant he got to enjoy a little longer than originally intended.

“The house looked pretty rough when I bought it but I’ve always loved the squareness of those sixties designs, so when I saw the property, I thought it was pretty cool,” he said.

“The issue was that it wasn’t a very big house, it only had about 130sq m of internal living space, and it was derelict in there, completely unbelievable.

“So the focus on the extension came from that, which included adding a double garage on the side and an outdoor entertaining area leading out from the main living area.

“It’s been quite a modular extension process and…we had to fight the council for a bit to make it happen but I think we ended up with a nice, liveable floor plan.”

11 Ridgecrest Ave, Darlington. Pic: realestate.com.au

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11 Ridgecrest Ave, Darlington. Pic: realestate.com.au

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11 Ridgecrest Ave, Darlington. Pic: realestate.com.au

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11 Ridgecrest Ave, Darlington. Pic: realestate.com.au

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Set on a 700sq m allotment, the home spans across three levels with the first floor encompassing the main living space.

Here you will find the master bedroom with a walk-in robe and ensuite, as well as an open-plan living and dining area and a modern kitchen with dual ovens and a butler’s pantry.

This space also opens out to an alfresco with repurposed Henley Beach jetty timber.

Two additional bedrooms, each with its own bathroom, and a separate lounge are located on the top floor.

Here you will also gain access to a second outdoor entertaining area with views towards the coast and Mount Lofty.

The ground floor is occupied by two guest bedrooms, a bathroom, storage and a double garage.

Mr Law said he expected the house to sell by the end of the week.

“We’ve got a couple of offers on the table so we’re hopeful that we’ll reach the $1.6m mark, which would then make it a new record (for the suburb),” he said.

“It’s been about eight years since a big house like that sold, so I think we’ll be able to achieve that…(as) Darlington, in my opinion, has got some of the best views in South Australia.”