Smith’s Mill was built on the first tillage lease in the Irwin District by John Smith and John Maley in 1865. The mill went into decline after shipping stopped calling at the port due to bad anchorage and unwilling insurance companies and was closed in 1894. The property was sold to Dr George Bartlett who used the stone from the mill to build Denison House. Dr Bartlett ran his medical practice from this building and his wife Florence designed and constructed the terraced gardens, work which is said to have been carried out under lamplight.
The property was purchased by the Benedictine Community of New Norcia in 1944 and served as a summer retreat for monks, nuns and students. Shire of Irwin purchased the building in 2004 and it is currently used by community groups.
Tea party at Denison House c1900 I IRME0981
