‘Lanreath’ – architect identified

‘Lanreath’ The Boulevarde, Strathfield (built 1902 and demolished in 1935) was the home of Mary Anne and Francis Arthur Crago.  The Crago family were involved in flour milling and were active members of the Congregational Church.

There has been some speculation regarding the architect.  I finally found confirmation of an architect, courtesy of the 1907 Encyclopedia of NSW. The architect was Thomas Melbourne Smith.  The above photograph is from this publication.

There had been some speculation that ‘Lanreath’ may be the work of architect Alfred Gambier Newman or Harry Kent.  Smith worked as an articled pupil for Harry Kent.  After serving his articles he remained in the same office as draughtsman until 1899, when he, in partnership
with Mr. J. B. Clamp, started to practice in offices situated in Scott’s Chambers, Pitt Street, Sydney.
However, in 1901 the partnership was dissolved.

According to his 1907 biography: “Since starting to practice Mr. Smith prepared and supervised numerous works both in Sydney and suburbs, besides a number in several important provincial towns. And among others a very large private residence on the Boulevard, Strathfield, for Francis Crago, Esq. : business premises, situated in George Street, Sydney, erected for the trustees in the estate of the late Joseph Wyatt, of North Sydney, and which are at present occupied by Messrs. Harrington & Co. Ltd., photographic merchants. Mr. Smith has resided in Marrickville for a period of twenty-eight years. He is architect to the Marrickville Cottage Hospital, and is also an Associate of the New South Wales Institute of Architects. Mr. Smith is a prominent member of the New South Wales Gun Club, and during the past four years has supervised many works in connection therewith”.

Despite the grandeur of Lanreath, it lifespan was not long only surviving until 1935, when it was demolished.  Eventually the former house and grounds were subdivided and 23 houses were built on this estate.