Wairoa, Heritage-listed house in Aldgate, Australia
Wairoa is a heritage house set on 13 hectares of land between Aldgate and Stirling in the Adelaide Hills, featuring a ten-bedroom main residence. The property is surrounded by extensive gardens and has maintained its original building structure while adapting to modern residential arrangements.
William Horn purchased the land in 1888 and construction of the house was completed in the early 1890s. The Barr-Smith family later acquired the property and owned it until 1941.
The property served as Marbury School from 1972 to 2004, shaping educational experiences for local students during those decades. After its return to residential use, it became a place where families gathered and the gardens opened to the community through garden tours.
The gardens are regularly open to visitors through the Australian Open Garden Scheme on specific days throughout the year. It is advisable to check opening dates in advance, as the grounds are also used for private events such as weddings.
Between 2004 and 2018, the property was divided among multiple families under modern community title arrangements while preserving its original architectural features. This unusual adaptation shows how historic houses can accommodate contemporary living patterns.
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