Barr Smith House

In 1920, the Sisters of Mercy purchased the Barr Smith House in Angas Street. This attractive red brick house was the town residence of Mr. Barr Smith, once said to be the wealthiest man in South Australia. The house was a mansion – although the Barr Smith’s referred to it as their ‘cottage’ – comprising several reception rooms, three main bedrooms, four servants’ rooms and a servants’ hall, plus cellars and stables. Following Joanna Barr Smith’s death in 1919, the Sisters purchased the house using the proceeds of Sr Cecilia Cunningham’s substantial inheritance.

The house became a multi-purpose facility. Novices were trained there, the community kitchen was established within the building and the ballroom became the community refectory. The house also provided bedrooms and bathrooms for elderly sisters and for the Mother Provincial. In addition, it accommodated the community library, laundry, common rooms, and the bursar’s office.

In the front garden was built a grotto with statues of Mary and Saint Bernadette. The grotto became a place of prayer and quiet contemplation for both the Sisters and the students of the College. The Barr Smith House and Grotto were demolished in 1982 to make way for the Dame Roma Mitchell Building.