Ranelagh House was built as a private hotel in 1924 by a Melbourne investor who purchased five and a ha hectares east of the town and erected the building on the site's highest point.

The building cost 46000 pounds ($92000) to build at that time. This venture however was not successful and after a number of attempts to re-establish the property as a 'health' resort the building eventually became the base for WRAAF training during the Second World War.

In 1946 the property was acquired by the Franciscan Fathers and became the centre for their training house and seminary known as St Anthony's College. It was during this time that the beautiful stained glass windows were installed.