By Cathy Jones 2025
‘Goonong’ 78 Homebush Road is a Federation period villa. The house is located on the ‘Kings Estate’, which was subdivided c.1903 and created residential land lots on Churchill Avenue, Homebush Road and Redmyre Road. The house was built for William George Harris in 1914.
The house first appears in the Sands Directory in 1916 occupied by William George Harris. The house was originally called ‘Dunelm’. The house was originally numbered 52 Homebush Road, but was renumbered 78 Homebush Road in 1960.
William George Harris, a draper of Strathfield, acquired part of Lot 1 from Robert Joshua King and Mary Anne Balmain in March 1913. Lot 1 was divided into two parts, the other part became 80 Homebush Road purchased bv Frank Richard Bull with a Right of Way (via covenant) with rear access to 78 Homebush Road to Redmyre Road registered.
In November 1913, Harris lodged a successful application to construct a brick residence and slate roof of more than six rooms of an estimated value of £950. The nominated builder was John Wright & Son. According to Sands Directory, Harris was the occupant until 1917/1918.
In May 1918, Harris transferred ownership to Jane Grosvenor, wife of Frederick Grovenor of Homebush, storekeeper. The house was renamed ‘Coonong’ by the Grosvenors.
An application for transmission was made in October 1948 by Flora Eliza Grovenor and the Permanent Trustee. The property was sold to Patricia Hardcastle, wife of Philip Hardcastle, medical practitioner in March 1949. In November 1958 the property was purchased by Enid Ubter, wife of Walter Ubter of Strathfield, medical practitioner.
References
Department of Valuer-General, Municipality of Strathfield, Valuation Lists
NSW Lands Registry
Sands Sydney Directory
Strathfield Council Building Register Vol. 1
