The Devonshire Hotel was built in 1856 on two levels, the upper floor at street level having several rooms, the rear one being 60 feet (18 mtrs) long and was used for public meetings and concerts until the Institute was built in 1878. The level below is divided into two longitudinally and was used as a skittle alley and shooting gallery.
The hotel was originally owned by James Torr who was the first licensee from 1856 to 1864. In 1898 the hotel was de-licensed and became a temperance hotel (a term for boarding house), reflecting the influence of the temperance movement in late nineteenth century South Australia.
A large stone building incorporating the hotel’s stables, coach house and barn can be seen at the rear from Wakefield Street. It has been converted to a dwelling, an example of how a “change of use” has seen many of Mintaro’s buildings conserved, renovated and hence survive.
The Devonshire was the home of the Jacka family for many years until they sold it in 1980 for $26,000. After renovations, “Devonshire House” became the first heritage building in Mintaro to operate as Bed and Breakfast accommodation.