Benacre, Glen Osmond facts for kids

Benacre is a historic house in Glen Osmond, a suburb near Adelaide, South Australia. It was once listed on the Register of the National Estate, which means it was recognized as an important heritage site. You can find Benacre at 6 Benacre Place.

Early Days in South Australia

The colony of South Australia officially began on December 28, 1836. The first settlers arrived at Holdfast Bay. However, there was no fresh water there. So, the main settlement moved to the River Torrens in what is now Adelaide. The South Australia Company managed this new settlement. They also sold land in the city and on the Adelaide Plains.

First Owners of the Land

The land where Benacre now stands was first given to G.F. Shipster. In 1844, he built a single-story house there. Later, Glen Osmond Road was built through the land. This divided the property. Part of it then went to Robert Cock. Shipster bought another piece of land in 1844. He sadly passed away later that year.

Benacre's Early Development

William Bickford's Vision (1846)

In 1845, William Bickford and his family faced difficult summer conditions in the city. After losing a baby, he wanted to find a healthier place to live. In early 1846, he bought 16 acres of land. He added more buildings to the property. This included stables and a coach house. These buildings are now recognized as important heritage sites.

William Bickford also started the first garden, which was about one acre. He planted an orchard of 2½ acres. Even with the "healthier country air," another one of his sons died as a baby. The family moved back to the city. However, William kept the property. He was still developing it when he died in 1850.

New Owners and a Grand Garden

After William Bickford, T.B. Strangways owned the property for a time. Then, Thomas Graves became the owner. Thomas Graves created a beautiful garden. It had many different trees from all over the world. These included Moreton Bay figs, pines, cedars, and cypresses. Some came from Norway, India, Lebanon, Japan, and Norfolk Island. People said his collection of trees was almost as good as the Adelaide Botanic Garden! In the mid-1870s, Graves added more rooms, a cellar, and a top floor to the house.

Thomas English, Architect

Thomas English was a very important architect in South Australia during the colonial period. He designed and built many famous buildings. Many of his works are now listed on the South Australian State Heritage Register. Important people of the time hired him. He worked on Benacre in Glen Osmond in 1863.

The Scott Family and "Benacre" (1876)

In 1861, Henry Scott (Mayor of Adelaide) married Emily Gooch. They did not have children. In the mid-1870s, they bought the property. They named it "Benacre" after Emily's family home, Benacre Hall, in England.

The Scotts lived at Benacre in Glen Osmond. They also had a home called Boode House in Mount Lofty. They loved to entertain guests. For about 30 years, the Scotts hosted many social events at Benacre.

John Lewis's Time (1906)

In 1906, John Lewis moved to Adelaide. He was a pastoralist (someone who owns large areas of land for raising livestock) and a politician. He bought the impressive home, Benacre, in Glen Osmond. In 1907, he married Florence Margaret Toll.

John Lewis was a member of the South Australian Legislative Council from 1898 to 1923. This is a part of the state's government. In 1922, he wrote a book about his life called "Fought and Won." In 1923, he received an award called C.M.G. for his public service.

During his time at Benacre, John Lewis created a deer park on the property. He died at Benacre on August 25, 1923. His wife and six children, including Essington Lewis, survived him. In 1924, his family divided part of the property into 39 building blocks. You can still see a street named Lewis Ave near Benacre Close today.

Later Years of Benacre

The Lewis Family (1924-1968)

After John Lewis passed away, Benacre became the home of his son, Lancelot Ashley Lewis, and his wife, Grace Margaret (Gretta) Lewis. They lived there from 1924 to 1968.

Subdivision and Auction (1970s-1980s)

In 1970, the Benacre property was divided again. "Fifteen magnificent residential allotments" (building plots) were created. The main mansion, Benacre, and the two-story stone mews (coach house) were put up for auction. The auction took place on May 2, 1970. In 1981, the historic Benacre house was auctioned again.

Images for kids

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  ca. 1850

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  ca. 1850

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  1877

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  Benacre coach house 1899.
  Now "The Mews".

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  1877

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  1877

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  1904

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  1904