This building started as a simple four roomed cottage with rear skillion roofed lean-to. The projecting southern gable front was added some years later. The northern wing, attached by a breezeway was added in 2016.
The original owner was John Smith, who also owned The Magpie and Stump Hotel and the adjacent Flour Mill. The properties were advertised for auction in February 1900 and described as ‘Allots. 76, 77, Township of Mintaro, containing 2 Acres, with 6-roomed Stone House thereon, known as the Mill House.’[1]
Following Smith’s death in 1876, the house had a number of owners, including James Torr, the owner/publican of The Devonshire Arms, who donated the land on which the playground and bowling green sits today to the community.
Another owner was William Skuse, an early Mintaro settler. Both Torr and Skuse are buried in the local cemetery. Their headstones reflect their differing wealth and station in life.
Initial conservation work was carried out in the 1980s, and this included restoration of the shingled roof, some internal modifications and external consolidation work.
The cottage was modified for its role as a restaurant in the 2000s and operated as such for a number of years. It has been a private residence undergoing ongoing extension and conservation since 2011.