Page 354 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Australia

352  SOUTH A USTR ALIA

Ayers House

Ayers House is one of the best examples of Victorian
architecture in Australia. It was the home of Sir Henry
Ayers, a former Premier of South Australia and an
influential businessman, from 1855 until his death in
1897. The original house was quite simple but was
expanded over the years with the growing status
and wealth of its owner. The final form of this elegant
mansion is due largely to the noted colonial architect
Sir George Strickland Kingston. The restored house is
now run by the National Trust and also incorporates Front of the house viewed from North Terrace
a function centre. The oldest section is open to the
public and houses a fine collection of Victorian
furniture, furnishings, memorabilia and art. Be sure
to take the After Dark tour – if you dare!

. Bedroom
The main bedroom has been carefully
restored to its late-Victorian style.
Its authentic furnishings reflect the
prosperity brought by South
Australia’s rich mining
discoveries in the 1870s.
KEY
1 The Library, furnished with
a long dining table, can be hired
for functions.
2 Slate roof
3 The Conservatory is based
around the original stables and
coachhouse. Now a function centre,
the whole area has been flooded with
light by the addition of a glass roof.
4 Local bluestone was used in
constructing the house, as with
many 19th-century Adelaide houses.
The north façade faces onto North
Terrace, one of the city’s main streets
(see pp348–9).
5 Veranda’s original chequered
tile flooring
6 The family drawing room Ballroom
along with the adjacent family dining This intricately decorated cornice dates
room, had test strips removed from from the 1870s. It is likely that it was
its walls and ceiling to uncover some painted by Charles Gow, an employee
stunning original decoration. These of the Scottish firm of Lyon and Cottier,
rooms have now been fully restored. who is believed to have undertaken
extensive work at the house.
For hotels and restaurants in this area see p491 and pp522–3