News Corp Australia
First published 19 Jun 2026, 1:25am
A landmark Adelaide property, with links to the prominent Barr-Smith, Waite and Hardy families, has been listed for sale after its elderly owner conceded she could no longer afford the crippling mortgage repayments.
The Reserve Bank’s reprieve this week on interest rate hikes came just days too late for former art teacher Tene Mansvelders, who is selling the historic Urrbrae home that once played host to Mel Gibson.
“It’s a shame but it (the sale) needs to happen,” said Ms Mansvelders, who purchased 2 Barr-Smith Drive with her former husband almost 12 years ago.
2 Barr-Smith Drive, Urrbrae. Supplied
The light-filled kitchen and dining area. Supplied
“I’ve got a mortgage that I was managing but … because of the steep interest rate rises … I’m not (able to keep up with repayments) lately.
“It’s tipped me over the edge.
“It’s not just me (struggling) – the interest rates are affecting young people that got into a home but now they have to shift out and go back into a (cheaper) unit.
“It has just disrupted people’s whole worlds.
“If things go back (interest rates decrease) that would be different but that might take a long time.”
Ms Mansvelders said she had spent 15 years searching for a “picture book-type” home, reminiscent of the grand manors in England and Wales, before she discovered Gardiners Cottage, a wonderfully preserved bluestone and red brick home boasting six bedrooms and six living areas.
One of the lounge areas. Supplied
A bedroom with a view. Supplied
The home was built in 1851 and formed part of Birksgate estate, which was established by pastoralist and barrister Arthur Hardy before being sold to politician and successful businessman Thomas Elder in 1964.
Mr Elder bequeathed the estate to his nephew Thomas Elder Barr Smith. It was later purchased by another wealthy pastoralist, Peter Waite.
Ms Mansvelders said despite its age, the home had no cellar when she purchased it so builders were engaged to create one under the study.
Another view of the lounge. Supplied
A formal dining space. Supplied
One of Tene Mansvelders’ creative spaces. Supplied
Other renovations resulted in the original hay loft being converted to a spacious master bedroom, while an extension by renowned architect Pauline Hurren created a cathedral-style kitchen and open-plan living pavilion, as well as an atrium and spa area that overlooked an outdoor heated pool.
“(The home) just looks so beautiful now,” said Ms Mansvelders, who is considering downsizing to a unit or moving in with her daughter interstate.
“A lot of older buildings can be very dark and dreary but this house is not like that, it’s always retained that bright, happy feel.”
She said the 768sqm property was perfect for entertaining, having hosted Mel Gibson on several occasions during the filming of the 1979 iconic Mad Max movie.
The home’s spa area. Supplied
The sparkling inground pool. Supplied
Neighbours recalled a previous owner was an engineer on the movie set and frequently invited the film crew to the home for a BBQ, Ms Mansvelders said.
The property, which is being sold directly by Ms Mansvelders, has a price guide of $2.1m.
– by Lauren Ahwan
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