Rymill House as special state-heritage-listed example of Queen Adelaide style adapted architecture in Adelaide
Rymill House, South Australia state heritage listed with its coachhouse (inset), built on a block extending from Hutt Street to East Terrace, Adelaide city, was assessed as contributing significantly to an understanding of the spread and evolution of the Queen Anne style outside of England.
Rymill House and coach house, both South Australian state heritage listed, were on Town Acre 220 at the corner Hutt and Flinders streets and extending to East Terrace, Adelaide city, bought by brothers and financiers Henry and Frank Rymill, in 1859.
The Rymills first had a small cottage, designed by George Strickland Kingston, built on the land in 1860. Henry Rymill later bought out Frank's share and had the cottage demolished. It was replaced by the mansion, constructed in brown and Sydney stone by William Rogers in 1881 or 1884 to the design of English-trained architect John Haslam.
Called "The Firs", although its trees were Aleppo pines, the house’s fabric (and setting) was heritaged assessed as contributing significantly to an understanding of the spread and evolution of the Queen Anne style outside of England: “Rymill House is also a testament to the ability of its architect, John Haslam, in interpreting and adapting the English style to local conditions”. The house's windows were fitted with sliding shutters, and the top sashes were stained glass. Over the main entrance, stained glass representing the four seasons. Its sanitary and plumbing arrangements reflected the latest technology and hygeine knowledge.
Rymill House, one of the last great residences built in late 19th century Adelaide before a decades-long recession, also was highly unusual in being designed to be viewed in the round. It had “set-piece” quality that was reminiscent of the baronial manors of “Old England”. Adelaide’s Quiz magazine in November 1901 noted that, as “one of the wealthiest business firms in Adelaide”, its partners “Messrs. H. & F. Rymill, land and estate agents … are reported to be worth a quarter of a million each. Although very wealthy neither men are conspicuous on charity lists. Both move in Adelaide's most exclusive society."
Henry Rymill died in 1927 but the family owned the house until 1950 when it was sold to the Australian government. The postmaster general’s department used it for training until it was closed in 1982 by the later Australia Post. The property fell into neglect before being restored when the Constantine family bought it in 1998 and had the house restored. From 2012, custodianship has been shared with the Rymill House Foundation Trust. Since 2000, fundraising events in the grounds supported education, heritage, sporting and welfare organisations in South Australia.
In 2022, plans by the trust to construct a new function centre in front of the house were submitted for approval. This project was challenged by Rymill Park Apartments Pty Ltd, developers of an adjoining project.
