Auchedarroch

This magnificent building stands proudly near the CBD of the Mt Barker (South Australia) township.

The name Auchendarroch is Scottish-Gaelic for "holy place of the oaks"

Originally named the Oakfield Hotel, it was built in 1860 by Lachlan McFarlane, a Scottish immigrant, as a two story building with 4 main rooms on each level.

In 1878 the property was sold to Robert Barr Smith. A young English architect was enlisted to build around the old hotel a 30 roomed mansion which is still standing today.

Robert Barr Smith, his wife Joanna and their family lived at Torrens Park in Adelaide (now Scotch College) and Auchendarroch was their summer home for 45 years.

From 1922, the property was utilized as a rest & convalescent home and an Air Force hospital.

The building has been restored to it's fomer glory and now serves as a restaurant / function centre and cinema complex.