The residence was originally constructed as the Hampshire Hotel. It is similar in design to the nearby cottages, extended laterally to provide extra rooms and access doors. It retains its low scale and early joinery, particularly casement windows. The roof is hipped with a verandah, which is an extension of the roofline, but at a slightly flatter pitch. The walls are constructed of local stone, but have been rendered.
The building was constructed in the 1850's, part of the settlement associated with Samuel White's Flour Mill. From 1853 to 1863 George Adey was the first publican and is commemorated in the name Adey Road. Several other licensees ran the hotel until it closed in 1869. Little is known about the building until the 1930's when it was leased and later purchased by artist Ivor Hele. A report at the time described the renovation of the "old hotel". Hele constructed the adjoining studio suite in 1957-9, and former Prime Ministers William McMahon and Malcolm Fraser came for portrait sittings. Hele lived here until his death in 1993.
Photo courtesy of: Bruce Harry and Associates (2003).
Cottage (former Hampshire Hotel) - east elevation (JPG, 349KB)
72 Little Road, Aldinga 5173 View Map
72 Little Road , Aldinga 5173