History
Ayers House holds a special place in the hearts of South Australians, more than a treasured icon, it’s a home filled with 160 years of memories. Just a decade after the state’s inception in 1834, Town Acre no. 30 was bought by William Paxton. Sir Henry Ayers arrived in 1840 from England to make his fortune and fortunately for us he did! Ayers leased the property from his friend for 16 years before finally securing the purchase in 1871. He then created the House as it stands today, enlisting Kingston as an architect to style a Colonial Victorian house of grand proportions. Kingston’s mark is not only on this house but Adelaide as a whole; he surveyed the city site and was the chief designer of Adelaide city for Colonial William Light, the founder of Adelaide.
South Australia’s Central Man Sir Henry Ayers was an illustrious and renowned man about town, Premier of the State seven times, Cabinet Minister 11 times and involved in many of the state’s institutions – its little wonder he chose to live in the city! To name a few; secretary of the Burra Copper Mines, founder of the Bank of Adelaide, trustee of the Savings Bank of South Australia, chairman of South Australian Gas Co., governor of the Botanic Gardens Board and treasurer of the University of Adelaide. ‘Mr’ became ‘Sir’ in 1872 when Henry was knighted for his government’s role in bringing the overland telegraph service from Darwin to Adelaide opening communication with England, a vital link for the fledgling colony.
The house was the centre of Adelaide society for thirty years. Henry famously gave twice yearly parties in September and October with dancing in his Ballroom, coloured lighting festooning the trees and wines carefully selected from his cellar.
After Sir Henry’s passing in 1897 the house stood vacant for some years, it was then bought by Austral Gardens Ltd in 1914 turning the grounds into an open-air theatre and for some time was occupied by the Returned Soldiers League. Then from 1929 it was a nurse’s home and training centre for the Royal Adelaide Hospital until 1969.
The Team
Richard McLeod has been a Director of Ayers House since 1991. With his brilliant team, the business has been moulded into Adelaide’s finest events venue. Great food, service and amazing atmosphere, combine to create wonderful events.
Hospitality Beginnings
South Australian Premier and trend setter Don Dunstan had a bee in his bonnet to get the old house back into the centre of Adelaide’s popular society. On 30th June 1973 Ayers House opened to acclaim with a fine dining restaurant and bistro. Visited by British Royalty, Princess Anne and serving Queen Elizabeth II it quickly became the place to be seen in Adelaide. A full silver service restaurant became a regular haunt for high society until the mid 90’s.
The magnificent Victorian styled glass conservatory extension, added in the mid-80’s, extended the bistro from the Coach House and stables into the gardens – still many Adelaidian’s claim “Paxton’s” as their favourite restaurant. A favourite for business (long) lunches, birthdays, anniversaries and, of course, weddings.
Today the tradition started by Sir Henry Ayers of lavish parties and dancing continues in style. His legacy is more than just bricks and beautiful spaces, it’s a house built for having fun! Your celebration will add to Ayers House’s illustrious history.