Lyndhurst, Clayfield facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Lyndhurst |
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Building in 2015
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| Location | 3 London Road, Clayfield, City of Brisbane, Queensland, Australia |
| Design period | 1870s - 1890s (late 19th century) |
| Built | 1896 - |
| Architect | Robin Dods |
| Architectural style(s) | Arts & Crafts |
| Official name: Lyndhurst, The Reid House | |
| Type | state heritage (built) |
| Designated | 12 December 2003 |
| Reference no. | 601841 |
| Significant period | 1890s (fabric, historical) |
| Significant components | driveway, residential accommodation - main house, service wing |
| Builders | Walls & Juster |
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Lyndhurst is a beautiful old house in Clayfield, Brisbane, Australia. It was designed by a famous architect named Robin Dods. The house was built starting in 1896. It is also known as The Reid House. Today, Lyndhurst is recognized as a special historical place on the Queensland Heritage Register.
A Look Back at Lyndhurst
Lyndhurst was built in 1896 for John Reid. He was the head of a company called J C Hutton & Co. This company processed ham and bacon. Lyndhurst was one of the first big houses designed by Robin Dods. He started working with the firm Hall and Dods in Brisbane in August 1896.
Robin Dods: A Creative Architect
Robin Dods (1868–1920) was a very talented architect. He was known for his new ideas. His designs helped change how Queensland houses were built. Many of his house designs were copied by others. Lyndhurst itself was one of his most published house designs.
Dods was born in New Zealand. He later lived in Scotland and London. In London, he learned about the "Arts and Crafts" style of architecture. This style focused on traditional craftsmanship. It also used simple forms and local materials. Dods believed in creating new buildings that fit their region.
In 1896, Dods returned to Brisbane. He joined Francis Hall to form Hall and Dods. Dods did most of the design work. Hall managed the business side. Their firm became very important in Brisbane. They created many amazing buildings. Dods was great at mixing modern British ideas with Queensland's traditional house styles. He also made sure his designs worked well in the warm, subtropical climate.
Building a Special Home
John Reid asked Hall and Dods to design his house in Clayfield. This was soon after their partnership began in 1896. Dods had already designed other buildings for Reid's company. Lyndhurst was his seventh house design in Brisbane.
The builders, Walls and Huster, were chosen in September 1896. The cost to build the house was £1,007. This was a lot of money back then!
What Lyndhurst Looked Like
When it was finished, Lyndhurst faced northeast. It was set far back from London Road. A gravel driveway led up to the house. Robin Dods even designed the front garden. This was unusual for houses in Brisbane.
The garden had three formal levels. There were garden stairs and a lawn tennis court. Hedges with fancy shapes were planted around the edges. Queen palms stood by the entrance. Weeping fig trees were on the east side and at the back. Sadly, this garden was lost when the property was divided in 1945.
The house was made of timber. It had a very steep roof. This made the roof look very important. It was covered with terracotta tiles. This was an early use of these tiles in Queensland. The house had a central corridor inside. It also had wide verandahs on the western side.
The front verandah had a porch that stuck out. This porch had a special triangular shape called a pediment. It protected the stairs. The verandah had turned balusters. These are decorative posts. The house also had two tall chimneys.
Lyndhurst was built on wooden stumps. This was a common way to build houses in Queensland. But instead of open spaces, the base was covered with timber boards. This made the house look solid and strong. This solid look became a key feature of Dods' buildings. The design of Lyndhurst was even shown in famous architecture magazines.
Inside, the walls were covered with narrow timber boards. The ceilings had pressed metal designs. These designs were in the Art Nouveau style. This was a popular art style at the time.
At the back of the house was a service wing. This part had the kitchen, two pantries, and a laundry room. It had a plain wall facing the street. There were two oval-shaped windows in the kitchen.
Lyndhurst Through the Years
Lyndhurst was the Reid family home for almost 25 years. After John Reid passed away in 1919, his wife sold the house. Over the years, the property was sold many times.
In 1945, the property was divided. The front garden and tennis court were separated from the house. In the late 1940s or early 1950s, Lyndhurst was likely changed into flats. This meant some parts were altered. Verandahs were enclosed, and new walls were added.
Later, Lyndhurst was sold to the Presbyterian and Methodist Schools Association. It became part of Clayfield College. Today, it is used as an early childhood learning centre. It opened in 2008.
What Lyndhurst Looks Like Today
Lyndhurst is not easy to see from the street. It is located on a sloping piece of land. A long concrete driveway leads to the house. This is in the same spot as the original gravel driveway.
The house is large and has one main floor. It is built on timber stumps at the front. The area under the house is now enclosed with concrete blocks. These blocks are covered to match the outside walls. Two narrow concrete stairs lead to the front doors.
The roof is very steep. It has two large hip sections. These are covered with terracotta tiles. Two gables stick out from the front of the house. Gables are the triangular parts of a wall under a sloping roof. These gables are decorated with wide timber strips. Two tall chimneys are also visible on the roof.
The outside walls of the house are now covered with fibrous cement sheeting. This covers the original timber frame. The original outer walls are now inside the building. They might still have the original timber boards underneath. Different types of windows have been added where the verandahs were enclosed.
Even with changes, you can still see the original layout of the house. Most rooms are still in their original shape. Many rooms still have the narrow timber boards on the walls. Some rooms have fancy pressed metal ceilings. The original timber ceilings of the verandahs are still there.
The house has timber floors throughout. There are three fireplaces. Only two of them still have their original decorative surrounds. Many of the original doors have been removed. The remaining original doors are made of timber panels.
The bay windows are mostly still there. They were moved from the corners of the front rooms. They have decorative timber screens inside. A large two-story addition has been built at the back of the house. This newer part is not considered historically important.
Why Lyndhurst is Special
Lyndhurst is listed on the Queensland Heritage Register. This means it is an important historical site. It was added to the register on December 12, 2003.
An Important Part of History
Lyndhurst shows how Queensland's architecture has changed. It is thought to be one of the first big houses designed by Hall & Dods in 1896. Robin Dods brought new design ideas from the United Kingdom. He mixed them with Queensland's traditional styles. His designs later influenced many other buildings in Australia. Lyndhurst is in an area with many beautiful homes. It shows how Clayfield became a fancy residential area.
A Rare Example of Design
Lyndhurst is special because it is an early example of Robin Dods' house designs. He designed many houses, but not many of them, especially large ones like Lyndhurst, are still standing today.
Showing Key Features of its Time
This house helps us understand how homes were designed in Brisbane. It was built soon after Dods returned from the United Kingdom. Even though it has been changed a lot, it still has much of its original layout. It also shows many features typical of Dods' work.
Creative and Technical Achievement
Lyndhurst is important because of its connection to Robin Dods. He was a very creative and important architect. He helped change how houses were designed in Queensland. Lyndhurst is an early and influential example of his work. It shows how he combined the Arts and Crafts style with the challenges of building in a subtropical climate.
Connected to Important People
Lyndhurst is important because of its link to Robin Dods. He was an innovative and influential architect. He made a big difference in how houses were designed in Queensland.
