Carrick Hill

Carrick Hill Estate at Springfield is a virtual window back in time to the lifestyle of the wealthy and well to do in the middle of last century. The house is open to the public (there is an entry fee) and still survives with many of its original contents, including artworks, on display. While you do have to pay to get into the house, entry to the grounds is free and you can wander around at your leisure.
In 1935 two of Adelaide most prestigious families came together with the marriage of Ursula Barr Smith from a wealthy farming family and Bill Hayward whose family owned John Martins department store. Their wedding gift from the Barr Smith family was the land where Carrick Hill now stands. As you do, Ursula and Bill took a year long honeymoon in the UK and bought many of the fittings for the house on their travels. The house itself was built and ready to move into by 1939 and during the two years it took to construct, Ursula designed the extensive gardens. She modeled the gardens on a typical English estate and this labour of love is still there to enjoy today. During their marriage the Heywards amassed an extensive art collection including works from Sir William Dobell, Sir Russell Drysdale, Sir Jacob Epstein, Nora Heysen and John Dowie.
Carrick Hill is used today for many weddings and all sorts of different functions and exhibitions and there is a café on site for the general public. If you’ve never been to Carrick Hill, stop by for a walk through the extensive grounds and breathe in the luxury and opulence from a bygone era.