14 Kalgoorlie Rd, Largs Bay

It served as an orphanage, a respite for young mothers, and even as a four-bedroom apartment block for nuns. But this Largs Bay character villa is set to return to it roots as a grand family home, following its near million dollar sale last week.

The five-bedroom home at 14 Kalgoorlie Rd, sold at auction for $940,000 – well above price expectations, according to selling agent Kate Smith of Harcourts Smith Semaphore.

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14 Kalgoorlie Rd, Largs Bay

14 Kalgoorlie Rd, Largs Bay

“We had 17 registered bidders and a lot of interest during the campaign. We would have easily had 100 groups come through the home,” she said.

“It was a highly anticipated auction because of its location, but also because it had been vacant for some time now.”

According to historical records, Archbishop John O’Reily acquired the property in the early 1900s, with the gentleman’s Bungalow serving as a shelter for “homeless children and haven for women of moderate means”.

14 Kalgoorlie Rd, Largs Bay

14 Kalgoorlie Rd, Largs Bay

Right from the start the care of homeless children received first priority and before long, it became a second catholic orphanage.

“It’s a property with a colourful past…and some information has come to surface on how it was used by the Catholic Church,” Ms Smith said.

“It did serve as an orphanage for some time but it was then moved on to another property further down the street.

14 Kalgoorlie Rd, Largs Bay

14 Kalgoorlie Rd, Largs Bay

“It was then divided into four apartments and apparently had some nuns living in it for some time.

“The vendor purchased the property in the 1960s and it had been in the same family ever since.”

Ms Smith said the home was now ready for a major renovation, with the buyer intending to return the property to its former glory.

14 Kalgoorlie Rd, Largs Bay

14 Kalgoorlie Rd, Largs Bay

As it stands, the property features five bedrooms, four bathrooms, and many ornate character features – including open fire places, lofty ceilings, high skirtings and ornate cornices to portions of the homes. Completing the external package is a large shed and adjoining laundry on a 1026sqm block.

Ms Smith said the renovation was not for the faint-hearted but perfect for someone with a vision.

“This home could be returned to its former glory and offer an abundance of accommodation … with the potential to lease the individual quarters or consider development of the site, subject to council consents,” she said.