Former Farmhouse
Description
A two-storey symmetrical structure with gabled roof. The first floor is set slightly above natural ground level and accessed by masonry steps. The garden is excavated around the basement level. Walls are constructed of stone rubble with red brick quoins. The roof and verandah are clad with corrugated iron. Windows are multi-paned casement style.
Various porches, additions and free-standing structures have been constructed.
History
This building is situated on Section 595, which, along with Section 594, was granted to Thomas Bell Kelly in 1839. These sections are described in the rates assessments as ‘160 acres, vineyard, arable, wood and dwelling’. The form and construction of the surviving building suggest that it was built around the 1860’s.
Thomas Bell Kelly was elected to the first Morphett Vale District Council in 1853, was treasurer of the Council and resigned in 1855. He was also a farmer, the District Registrar, Clerk of the Court and electoral officer at Morphett Vale. Following his death both sections were transferred to Kelly’s wife in 1883. She died in 1893.
J.B. McMahon later owned Section 595 and named the vineyard then on the property ‘Trinity’.
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