One of Adelaide’s most historic properties has hit the market today for the first time since it was built more than 160 years ago.

Bishop’s Court, home to the current Anglican Archbishop of Adelaide Geoffrey Smith and his wife Lynn, is expected to break South Australia’s $7 million house price record by several million dollars.

The two-storey, seven-bedroom home, at 45 Palmer Place, is one of the largest in the ritzy suburb of North Adelaide and is listed on the National Trust of South Australia’s Heritage List as well as the State Heritage List.

45 Palmer Place, North Adelaide SA 5006 7 Beds 4 Baths 2 Parking View listing

The historic Tudor-Gothic revival-style home on 5300 square metres of land was listed for sale on Friday after decades of debate.

Last year, the Anglican church council voted to sell the property, with the proceeds to be used for programs and business within the diocese.

Archbishop Smith told Domain some money would also go towards buying a more modest home for him and his wife.

The home had a long history in the city, being home to every Anglican bishop and archbishop of Adelaide since its completion in 1857, he said.

“I’m the 10th Bishop of Adelaide to live here,” Archbishop Smith told Domain. “They’ve only had archbishops for the past five years.

“The foundation stone was laid in 1851 and it took a number of years to complete because of the Gold Rush in Victoria. All the people who could complete the build left.”

Archbishop Smith said other proposals for the property had been considered, including subdividing the land and selling it, however the final decision was to sell Bishop’s Court as a whole and use the money for the church’s work in Adelaide and beyond.

The Archbishop and his wife have lived in the home for three years since he was appointed the head of the Anglican Church in Adelaide. He had enjoyed the history of the home and its location close to the CBD.

“It’s a stunning spot because you’re on the edge of town,” Archbishop Smith said.

The home was very majestic, he said, and was so big that at times he and his wife had to use their phones to find each other in the house.

“It’s so big it’s like living in a park,” Archbishop Smith laughed.

“It would be fantastic if a family bought it because it’s the perfect house for a game of hide and seek – the kids could have a fantastic time.”

Selling agent Booth and Booth Real Estate’s Jamie Brown said a number of buyers would be interested in the property because of its unique nature.

“It is unquestionably Adelaide’s finest estate, and we expect it to draw attention not only from local buyers, but interstate and international as well,” Mr Brown said.

He expected the home would fetch a record price, beating out the current record set in 2015 when Ivanhoe, at 9 Edward Terrace, Gilberton, sold for $7 million.

Mr Brown expects Bishop’s Court will beat that price “by several million dollars”. Previous reported price estimates in the Adelaide press have suggested a value of $10 million or more.

The sale is via expressions of interest (or tender) which ends at noon on March 6.

Over the past few years, the Anglican Church in Australia has announced plans to sell dozens of properties across the country.

In 2018, the Anglican Church in Tasmania announced it would be selling 120 properties across the state including 80 churches.

Anglican Archbishop of Tasmania Richard Condie said at the time part of the money would be used as part of the church’s redress scheme for survivors of child sexual abuse.

In 2016, Bishopscourt in Darling Point in inner Sydney was sold to Chinese billionaire Wang Qinghui for $18 million.