A rare and significant offering in the heart of Mount Gambier, 20 Bay Road presents a chance to reimagine one of the city's most iconic heritage buildings. A striking two-storey landmark with Scottish-inspired architectural roots, this property offers a unique blend of unique character, history, and opportunity in a premier CBD location.
Constructed in 1906 as the first independent country branch of the Savings Bank of South Australia, the building's proud facade - crafted from local limestone and dolomite - remains a key presence on the corner of Bay Road and Helen Street. Hints of original exterior painted signage provides a glimpse into its past commercial life, while a solid steel bank vault still housed at the building's core speaks to its timeless high-quality solidity.
This is more than just a building-it's a canvas ready for transformation. Whether you envision a sophisticated boutique business, a destination restaurant and bar, premium accommodation, or a stunning private residence, this 403sqm footprint across two expansive storeys offers immense flexibility and potential. The site's generous proportions, dual street frontage, and three separate entry points only add to the possibilities.
Positioned at one of Mount Gambier's most visible and high-traffic locations, the address offers unrivalled access to the city's cafes, restaurants, cultural venues, recreation hubs, and retail. This prime location offers both prestige and practicality-perfect for businesses or residents wanting to be at the centre of it all.
Step through the original French doors from Bay Road and you're immediately greeted by the grandeur of Federation design. Soaring 14-foot ceilings, arched windows, exposed wood floors, and open fireplaces create an atmosphere of old-world elegance and light-filled warmth. A vast open-plan layout anchors the space, flexible enough to suit commercial, retail, or residential purposes. The 18inch thick walls provide a sense of peace and quiet, with almost no sense of the busy thoroughfare surrounding the building.
At the rear of the bottom storey a series of ancillary rooms, including office, storage, toilet, and a large utility area, support a wide range of uses, from administration to gallery space or kitchen fit-out. The secure rear lane access offers off-street parking for two vehicles, with room for more, and opens onto a spacious private courtyard framed by a mature lime tree, 2 mulberry trees and 1 apple tree.
This sun-drenched paved patio offers a rare and atmospheric extension to the building's footprint-ideal for a hospitality venue, studio, or tranquil entertaining area. With a few thoughtful architectural openings, this outdoor space could seamlessly flow into the interior, evoking the charm of a Tuscan courtyard in the heart of Mount Gambier.
Accessed by a stately wood staircase with hand-carved balustrades, the upper storey retains its original residential layout-offering four generously sized bedrooms and a large central lounge all complete with wood floors linked off an expansive central hallway. Three of the bedrooms feature original polished timber fireplaces with mantels, providing both warmth and heritage character.
A fifth room, currently used as an office, and the spacious lounge complete with timber fireplace and commanding views across the city's southern skyline, offer further potential as additional bedrooms, workspaces, or shared living areas-ideal for boutique accommodation.
The upstairs hallway connects to a charming toilet and washroom, with expansive storage, fitted with original lino still in pristine condition.
The recently updated upstairs kitchen and bathroom have been designed with sensitivity to the building's heritage, incorporating modern amenities while honouring the Federation aesthetic. The light-filled kitchen features classic cabinetry in a soft, neutral palette, detailed joinery, and oval brushed handles that add a contemporary touch to the period styling, complete with electric cooking.
The neighbouring large bathroom is anchored by a stunning original clawfoot bath, alongside a pedestal basin, antique mirror, separate shower, and timeless period tapware. Glazed white rectangular tiles, laid in a traditional brick pattern, pay homage to early 20th-century design while offering a clean light-reflective surface.
With growing interest in adaptive reuse and heritage preservation, this property is poised to reward its next custodian-whether as an inspiring home, a thriving commercial venture, or both. Its urban activity zoning and heritage overlay offer flexibility with protection, allowing thoughtful reinvention that respects the past while embracing the future.
With off-street parking for 2-6 vehicles (depending on configuration), proximity to council car parks, and generous internal proportions, 20 Bay Road is as practical as it is beautiful.
Whether you're:
• An investor seeking a standout landmark with multi-use potential,
• A business owner looking for a prestigious CBD address,
• A hospitality visionary ready to craft an unforgettable dining destination,
• An Airbnb Superhost seeking to create a five-star residence, or
• A creative professional imagining a bespoke live/work space,
20 Bay Road offers an unmatched opportunity to shape something truly special in the heart of Mount Gambier.
Additional Property Information:
Age/ Built: Approx 1906
Zoning: Urban Activity
Land Size: 403sqm
Council Rates: Approx. $1728 pa
