This substantial residence was built for the prominent South Australian pastoralist John Rounsevell in 1874. During World War II it was used by Officers of the United States Forces and in 1957 purchased by the Naval, Military and Air Force Club for their headquareters. The residence was originally graced with extraordinary and elaborate balconies. Its design was probably influenced by architect Rowland Rees, at the time in partnership with John.

John Rounsevell lived from 1836 to 1902. He was born in Tregony, Cornwall but came to Adelaide with his family in 1836. He attended the Collegiate School of St Peter, Adelaide, then joined his father and managed the northern coaching lines. He became a great whip, once driving twenty-four grey horses through the streets of Adelaide. He held contracts for constructing a section of the Overland Telegraph, handling railway freight and supplying sleepers; he was also an explorer, a vigneron, bred merino sheep and worked northern pastoral runs. He represented Light (1865-68) and Gumeracha (1880-81) in the House of Assembly and sat on the Adelaide and Mount Crawford councils. Well known and liked, he died of heart failure on 15 May 1902 and was buried in West Terrace cemetery. He had married four times, and had issue from three of these unions.

http://adbonline.anu.edu.au/biogs/A110749b.htm