138 Esplanade, Largs Bay. Pic: realestate.com.au

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Part of a historic Largs Bay property that was once a renowned private boarding school for boys has hit the market for the first time in about 80 years.

The beachfront residence at 138 Esplanade, which is on the southern side of the 1890s-built state heritage-listed duplex, is scheduled to go under the hammer on February 27.

Harcourts Smith principal Kate Smith, who is selling the property with Ricki Bonnici, said it was etched in the state’s history books.

138 Esplanade, Largs Bay. Pic: realestate.com.au

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138 Esplanade, Largs Bay. Pic: realestate.com.au

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She said the property was originally owned by members of the Lovely family, which included former Mayor of Semaphore James Chapman Lovely, and also served as well-known private boys’ boarding school Largs Bay College in the early 1900s.

“It is a landmark building (and) it’s been in the same family for 80 years,” she said.

“It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity and the lucky buyer will get to acquire a piece of history.”

It was the first house to be built in Harveyton, which was a small suburb that is now considered part of Largs Bay.

The residence is characterised by old-world charm, including detailed archways and fireplaces, lofty ornate ceilings and a grand staircase.

138 Esplanade, Largs Bay. Pic: realestate.com.au

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138 Esplanade, Largs Bay. Pic: realestate.com.au

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It has four bedrooms, one bathroom, a study, a cellar with power, formal dining room, separate kitchen, lounge room with sunroom and an upstairs balcony overlooking the ocean.

Ms Smith said the property’s beachfront position, character and history were attracting househunters, as well as people who had grown up in the area and fallen in love with it after walking past it for decades just like she had.

“About 150 people came through the first open home,” she said.

138 Esplanade, Largs Bay. Pic: realestate.com.au

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