Former home of famous Australian artist the late John Dowie hits the market
The Dulwich property at 28 Gurney Road has been owned by the Dowie family for more than a century. Pic: Klemich Real Estate
The Adelaide property famous Australian artist the late John Dowie called home for most of his life has hit the market.
In a prime position on the outskirts of the city, the Dulwich return veranda villa at 28 Gurney Road has been owned by the Dowie family since 1917.
Dr Dowie – who was renowned for his paintings and sculptures, many of which can be found around Adelaide including the Three Rivers Fountain in Victoria Square and the The Slide in Rundle Mall – inherited the property from his parents.
Other than when he served in WWII and a few years spent overseas to hone his art skills, he lived in the house from the age of two until he died in 2008.
John Dowie at home with the bust of painter Dr. Lloyd Rees and British Army officer General Sir John Winthrop Hackett he sculpted in November 1981.
The mural on the ceiling of the living room is a standout feature of the home. Pic: Klemich Real Estate
There is also a mural in the entry hall of the home. Pic: Klemich Real Estate
His niece Penny Dowie has lived in the home for the past 13 years and uses the studio he made by knocking down a wall that separated two bedrooms to work on her own art.
“It’s meant a lot to me to be here, he was a great champion of my work and he was also incredibly encouraging,” she said.
“Because of the studio, I’ve had the great joy of being able to work in there surrounded by all his work.
“I guess the house has always been an artist’s home.
“The house is not just a beautiful old Bluestone home though, it’s a special and unique home because he’s left, literally speaking, a huge mark on it.”
Dr Dowie painted two murals in the house, one on the living room ceiling and another around the archway in the entry hall.
Ms Dowie said the living room mural was a standout feature of the four-bedroom bedroom, two bathroom villa, which is on a 1046sqm block.
Dr Dowie’s studio is now used by his niece, Penny, who is also an artist. Pic: Klemich Real Estate
The kitchen has been updated. Pic: Klemich Real Estate
“It’s the biggest feature of the house and the most beautiful, magnificent thing,” she said.
As Ms Dowie was moving back to the Adelaide Hills, she and the rest of her family have decided the time is right to sell.
She hoped the new owners would appreciate and take care of the house to preserve its rich history.
“It holds a place in my heart and I guess with something like that … the great hope is that if it can’t stay in the family, perhaps the next owner will be somebody who will feel that great sense of history here,” she said.
“I just want somebody to love it and cherish it as much as we all have as a family.”
Selling agent Penny Riggs, of Klemich Real Estate, said the next owner would be lucky to not only own the house but some of Dr Dowie’s personal paintings.
“It would be terrible if somebody painted over the murals because it’s Australian heritage,” she said.
Ms Riggs said the property would likely appeal most to families looking to move into the area.