Martindale Hall is a historic mansion located in Mintaro, a small town in South Australia. The mansion was built in the mid-19th century by Edmund Bowman Jr., a wealthy pastoralist, and was named after his wife’s maiden name.
The construction of Martindale Hall began in 1879 and took six years to complete. The building was designed by English architect Ebenezer Gregg and is a fine example of Georgian architecture. The mansion is constructed from locally sourced stone and features a slate roof, tall chimneys, and a symmetrical facade.
The interior of Martindale Hall is equally impressive, featuring grand reception rooms, ornate plaster-work, and a magnificent cantilevered staircase. The mansion also boasts a ballroom, a billiards room, and a library.
After the death of Edmund Bowman Jr. in 1895, the property was sold to the Mortlock family, who were also prominent pastoralists. The Mortlocks made some modifications to the mansion, including the addition of a conservatory and a new entrance.
Martindale Hall remained in the Mortlock family until 1978 when it was sold to the South Australian government. Today, the mansion is open to the public as a museum, offering visitors a glimpse into the grandeur and opulence of 19th-century colonial life in South Australia.
Martindale Hall is also notable for its appearance in the 1975 film “Picnic at Hanging Rock,” directed by Peter Weir. The mansion was used as a filming location for the movie and played a prominent role in the story.
Who owns Martindale Hall
Martindale Hall is owned by the Government of South Australia and is managed by the Department for Environment and Water.
Martindale Hall is currently used as a museum and tourist attraction, showcasing the historic architecture and interior design of the building, as well as its significance in South Australian history.
It is open to the public for guided tours. Visitors can explore the historic mansion and its grounds, which offer a glimpse into the colonial past of South Australia.
The mansion is open to the public as a museum and tourist attraction, Visitors can take guided tours of the mansion and explore the grounds, which include a heritage rose garden and other features of the property.