Kingston Historical House

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First known as Marino, Kingston Historical House was the holiday residence of George Strickland Kingston and later his son Charles Cameron Kingston.

George Kingston purchased eighty acres (32 hectares) of land in 1839 in the area now known as Kingston Park. Built in two stages, firstly in 1840 and then in 1851, the house is the oldest building in Holdfast Bay City Council and one of the oldest in the state of South Australia.

In 1840 Kingston leased the premises to fellow Cygnet passenger, Robert Bristow, who began the first hotel in the Brighton-Marino district. With an expectation that the area would become a thriving fishing village, a newly opened quarry and vessels embarking and disembarking from the newly built pier, patronage for the inn was expected from fisherman, quarrymen and sailors. In September 1840, Bristow was granted a licence to sell beer and wine. Management changed hands in late 1841 to Mr Burslem who maintained it as the Marino Hotel and Boarding House until 1843. From then until 1851, Kingston leased the land to farmer Samual Oakley. In 1851 Kingston undertook extensions and renovations in preparation for this to be his seaside holiday abode.

The land and building was purchased in 1919 by the State Government of South Australia, upon Lucy Kingston's (widow of Charles) death.

A major restoration was undertaken in 1983.

The building is now set on a three acre reserve sitting atop the Kingston Beach Cliff Face. The grounds have stunning views across Adelaide's metropolitan beaches and the gulf of St Vincent.

The house is surrounded by a small park, with picnic tables, BBQ facilities and a small playground. Tennis Courts are available for hire.

Open Sunday afternoons for devonshire tea, the house is also available for hire for private functions.