The renowned Hardy family patriarch, Arthur Hardy, arrived on South Australian soil at just 21 aboard the Platina, from his native England. The determined and visionary young Hardy overcame illness to prosper as a grazier on land around Adelaide’s foothills, before embarking on a professional career in politics and law. While building Mount Lofty House and calling it home for over 10 years, he planted three great Californian Redwoods (Sequoias) and through further plantings on his grounds also set the foundations for what would become the Mount Lofty Botanic Gardens. Hardy, who was Australia’s first Grand Master of the Freemasons would later in life found the Adelaide Club, become a government minister and a member of the Supreme Court. He continued to visit his office everyday until he peacefully passed away in his 90s, at home in Glenelg. Mount Lofty House, is an Iconic, boutique 5 star hotel in the Adelaide Hills, just 15 minutes from the Adelaide CBD. Specialising in stunning wedding receptions, unique conference retreats, exquisite day spa, fine dining and superior accommodation experiences, Mount Lofty House is now regarded as one of Australia's premier destinations. The array of food and beverage services is second to none and is the key focus for excellence throughout this magnificent, historic estate.