Who built it?

English immigrant laborer Sir George Danby. Sir George was the youngest son of the Reverend Sir Robert Affleck Baronet of Dulham Hall, Suffolk.  Sir George, who previously had the surname 'Affleck', took the 'Danby' surname in order to inherit his family estate and ancestral title of 'Sir'. 

After inheriting his fortune and prior to building Lakeside House, Sir George returned to England for two years, but he longed for sunny South Australia with its free and easy ways. So, he charted an English sailing ship with his team of hired carpenters and his selected Italian crafted marled fireplaces, art collectables and fine cedar furnishings, and sailed to Robe. 

He had five children John, Robert, Mary, Loisa and Harriet. Sir George died in 1891.

When was it built?

Between 1882 and 1885.

What is it built of?

Local limestone which was quarried from the Woakwine Range and transported to Robe by bullock wagon then cut on site. The skirting boards and doors are Blackwood and Cedar. The fireplaces are Italian Marble. The floor is Baltic pine. Many rooms have bay windows so the house has an abundance of natural light. Some of the fixtures and fittings were brought out from Europe and Britain.

Why this design?

Sir George modeled the house on one of the Affleck mansions in provincial England.  It was originally planned to have a second floor. 

How big is it?

72 squares. The hallway, which traverses the entire length of the house, is 40 metres long OR 2 cricket pitches long, and 10 foot wide – a car could easily be driven down it!  The house has 17 main rooms. The ceilings are 12 foot high in the bedrooms and 16 foot high in the function rooms. 

What is the best interior feature?

Besides the majestic hallway and large ballroom, it has to be the grand library containing a bookcase measuring 18 foot by 12 foot and made of Blackwood and Mahogany.  The bookcase dominates the room which has an outlook over Lake Fellmongery.

What about the garden?

Sprawling English style gardens, featuring a Rose Garden, Orchard and Grape Vines.

What other uses has it had over its life?

Restaurant, New Years Eve Balls, Family Home, Christmas Parties, Bed & Breakfast Guest House, Wedding Reception, Garden Parties & Fetes, and now Backpackers Hostel!!

When did it become Lakeside Manor Backpackers Lodge?

October 2005.