Historic outbuildings

Overall, the history suggests that the garage was one of, if not the oldest purpose-built garage in South Australia. This certainly warrants its inclusion with the other precinct buildings on both the State and National Heritage lists.

The garage is thought to have been built by Peter Waite around 1900, although there is no documentary proof of this. There is clear evidence however that Waite was interested in Motor Vehicles at an early stage. Peter Waite was elected a member of the Automobile Club in 1905. By 1906 Waite had registered a vehicle and received the number plate SA2.

Peter Waite owned a number of motor vehicles including several Talbolts. He also purchased one of the first electric cars, a Woods Electric for his daughters. He continued as a member of the automobile club until his death in 1922. Waite’s family also played a role in the club and displayed an enthusiasm for motor vehicles, his son David joining the club in 1910 or 1911.

Waite's daughters Lily and Eva were also keen motorists in their “Electric Brougham”.

Peter Waite engaged a chauffeur whose name was Halden and who wore a long dust jacket and cap.

The Gatehouse (originally referred to as The Lodge) is State heritage-listed and was built for Peter Waite c1883-84.

The building was located at the corner of Fullarton and Cross Roads. It was designed to reflect its function as the prominent entry point to the Urrbrae estate and in particular, to Urrbrae House.

From the time of its construction, the Gatehouse was predominantly used as the residence for Peter Waite’s head gardeners and their families. The family of Frederick Charles Couzens, known as Fred Couzens Snr, maintained an especially long association with the building as the Gatehouse became their home for over half a century.

Fred Couzens Jnr was appointed to the Waite Agricultural Research Institute as its first groundsman in 1928. He dedicated himself to the care and development of the Waite Arboretum’s scientific tree collection until his retirement as head gardener in 1966.

With the widening of the Fullarton and Cross Roads intersection by the South Australian Government’s Department for Infrastructure and Transport in 2022, the Gatehouse was dismantled and relocated nearer to Urrbrae House off Claremont Avenue.

Reconstruction work was completed in July 2024 and the building was internally fitted out during the second half of 2024.

From 2025 the Gatehouse will be home to the offices of the Waite Arboretum staff and used to support volunteer groups, especially those associated with the Waite Arboretum and Urrbrae House gardens.  Use of spaces such as meeting rooms within the Gatehouse by community groups will be possible subject to availability, terms and conditions.

The building is managed by the University’s Infrastructure Branch. Requests to book meeting rooms in the Gatehouse should be made via the online Facilities Bookings system.