Successive State Governments have not been prepared to restore the building (despite it having been a residence of the vice-regal representative), as the expense involved would not be considered responsible use of public funds.

[5][6] An alternative account contends that it was instead named for the hill's rounded top, which supposedly resembled a marble when viewed from a distance.

[9] For the 2011 census, a suburban boundary realignment saw Marble Hill moved to the postal area of Basket Range (5138).

[13] He was instrumental in securing government expenditure, and also personally oversaw the selection of a site and directed the design process.

G. C. Hawker (the Commissioner of Public Works) to invite South Australian Parliamentarians to see the completed structure in December 1879.

McMinn's design was of the Victorian Gothic Revival style, adapted for Australian conditions by the addition of large verandahs on three sides which shielded the structure from the fierce northern sun.

In addition, a number of distinguished guests were welcomed throughout the house's 75-year history as a viceregal residence, particularly King George V and Queen Mary (as Duke and Duchess of Cornwall and York) who stayed in 1901.

Marble Hill's location at the peak of a steep, densely wooded ridge meant that bushfires were a regular threat.

On 2 January 1955, fifteen people were in residence at Marble Hill, including Sir Robert and Lady George, their family, and staff.

The governor with his sons and staff struggled to save the building, but the buckets and hoses which had been prepared were totally inadequate.

By this time the bushfire had completely surrounded the residence, the cars which had been prepared as a last-resort were burning, and molten lead was showering down from the roof.

At the prompting of Sir Robert, the fifteen people at Marble Hill dashed out of the house for the relative safety of a retaining wall by the driveway, sheltering under wet blankets.

[14] All of the governor's possessions were lost in the fire, as they had been transferred to Marble Hill while Government House was undergoing restoration following damage suffered in the earthquake of 1954.

[33] In 1967, the property was dedicated to the National Trust of South Australia as a public reserve, although visitors were still barred from the structure itself.

Mayor of East Torrens, Isabel Bishop, called for the building to be restored and used as a "VIP status hotel".

[38] In 1994, the Friends of Parks volunteer group "Friends of Marble Hill" was formed in order to facilitate public access, open days and functions, while DEH retained responsibility for maintenance and funding, and the National Parks and Wildlife Service provided vegetation and land-care services.

[39] Four years later, in 1998, DEH commissioned a Conservation and Dilapidation Report which investigated the structural integrity of the ruins and the possibility of reconstruction.

[40] The Friends of Marble Hill group ceased operating after the property was put up for sale by the State Government in 2007.

[44] In March 2007, the State Government of South Australia again called for expressions of interest in the future development and management of the Marble Hill site.

[47] The work is being undertaken with a strong focus on local suppliers and the revival of artisan trades, under the supervision of builder Andrew Green.