the large house on the corner of present-day portrush and kensington roads (and now part of loreto college), known as the acacias, was built in 1874-5 by dr j.m. gunson to the design of renowned builder and architect michael mcmullen. the land was originally part of land grant to george fife angas, henry kingscote & thomas smith, all founding directors of the south australian company. after several other owners, gunson purchased the land in august 1874, built the house on a terrace above first creek and developed the gardens.