It was purchased by a stockbroker James Chambers in 1861, who in the same year sponsored the expedition of John McDouall Stuart, which was launched from the site.

[1] The expedition was the first successful European crossing of the continent, but James Chambers died at the property before Stuart's return.

[5] In 1908, the building was sold to Sir John Langdon Bonython, editor of The Advertiser and member of the first Parliament of Australia.

The two-storey building is constructed of sandstone, rusticated brick quoins and has cement decoration, with timber balconies and verandahs, and an iron roof, except for that of the three-storey tower, which is made of slate.

[9] In 1971 Premier Don Dunstan created the South Australian Performing Arts Centre for Young People.