by Cathy Jones 2024
‘Derwent’ 117 Homebush Road Strathfield is an interwar bungalow. This house is built on Lot 4 of the Hatherley Estate (deposited plan 7343), which was first offered for sale in 1913, but took many years for all lots to be sold. Elizabeth Rabone, wife of Stephen Rabone, commercial traveller purchased Lot 4 in October 1919. A covenant was placed on the title requiring any building to be erected in brick, stone or either brick and stone of a minimum of value of £500.
In November 1923, the land was transferred to Stella Mary Riley of Strathfield. Miss Riley lodged a building application on January 22 1924 for the erection of a cottage of 7 + rooms and an office on Lot 4, Homebush Road west, land measuring 60 feet frontage and 200 feet depth. The builder was H C Jackson, Howard Avenue, Dee Why. The estimated cost of the building was £1750. The design of the house has been variously attributed to architect T P Sampson.
The house was named ‘Derwent’ and numbered 87 Homebush Road. It first appeared in the Sands Directory in 1926, occupied by Mrs Ellen Riley. It was renumbered as 117 Homebush Road in 1960.
In June 1938, the property transferred to William Charles Frederick Thomas, who held the mortgage over the property, and he exercised his power of sale by selling the property to William Loadsman of Strathfield, an insurance inspector.
In February 1945, the property was sold to Samuel Smith of Newtown, manager and his wife Olga as joint tenants. It was then sold in August 1963 to Anthony Kelly of Strathfield, grazier and Phyllis Kelly, his wife, as tenants in common.
References
Advertising (1913, October 19). The Sun (Sydney, NSW : 1910 – 1954), p. 10. Retrieved June 23, 2024, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article229348796
Department of the Valuer General NSW – Valuation List – Valuation District of Strathfield
NSW Land Registry, v.2983 f.159.
Sands Sydney and Suburban Directory
