Henry Ayers was influenced by Robert Kerr's publication of the 1860s, The English Gentleman's House. Kerr advised a distinct division between family and servant sections, with separate access to both. This is reflected in the layout of Ayers House, although servants must have serviced the upstairs rooms via the grand staircase.
Kerr also emphasised elegance, as well as comfort for the home environment of gentlemen and their families, qualities evident in the dimensions and decorative features of the house's family rooms in contrast to the smaller and plain presentation of the servants' area.
The hand-painted ceilings and stencilled woodwork in the State Dining Room are believed to date from the 1870s and were possibly painted by Charles Gow, an employee of the Scottish firm, Lyon and Cottier.
The interior of Ayers House is of national significance and demonstrates the skill and mastery of 19th century master craftsmen. Equally, the restoration is a tribute to the care and expertise of contemporary artist trades people and conservationists.
Kerr also advised entertainment rooms on a grander scale than those for daily use by the family - hence the two dining rooms and the large ballroom, the latter in the eastern wing of the house and now part of the restaurant facility.
A library and separate rooms for the gentlemen were also necessary. Sir Henry also added basement rooms as summer rooms where the family could escape the fierce heat against which both shutters and veranda blinds acted as shields.
Life at home for the Ayers family appears to have been happy with no stinting for comfort and entertainment. In addition to private activities like cards and whist, theatre and music were greatly appreciated and the Ayers were avid attendees, both at home and overseas.
Ayers House was known as a venue for two spectacular balls each year when dancing went long into the night and early morning. The cellars at North Terrace were generously stocked and Ayers was noted for his fine dinners and entertaining company.
The house is now furnished mainly with late-Victorian pieces in replication of the finery enjoyed by the Ayers family and their guests at the North Terrace House.
