'Darenth' Strathfield (1895)

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‘Darenth’ [32-34 Albyn Road Strathfield] was designed by architect George Sydney Jones in 1895 for his father Dr Phillip Sydney Jones, who permanently leased the house to his close friend the Rev. George Littlemore, minister of the Trinity Congregational Church

The building was financed and owned by his father Dr Phillip Sydney Jones, a close friend of Phillip Sydney Jones. Littlemore was the occupant of ‘Darenth’ until his death in 1929.

‘Darenth’ is heritage listed and classified by the National Trust. Virtual tours

Statement of Significance:

An important and innovative early work of the architect George Sydney Jones, and an important early (1895) example of the Federation Queen Anne style of architecture. Associated with the Reverend G. Littlemore, the first Rector of The Trinity Congregational Church in The Boulevarde, Strathfield.

"Darenth" is a grand Federation home of generous proportions set on magnificent 100' x 200'ft or 1858m of landscaped grounds with an all weather lit tennis court. This family estate is situated in the famous Golden Mile just minutes walk to major schools and transport.

Physical Description:

‘Darenth’ is a single storey face brick Federation Queen Anne style house and the front entry is via a terrace.

with a complex hipped and gabled unglazed terracotta tiled roof
House is made of face brick in stretcher bond, tuck pointed and colour washed.
The roof of unglazed Marseille tiles is broken into a number of hipped and gabled forms
The architectural style is mainly Federation period Arts and Crafts style

Federation features are

a prominent corner tower with a tall pyramidal roof of terracotta shingles.
the front verandah has turned timber posts and brackets
the long runs of roof and exposed eaves;
the use of timber shingles for fascias and over the entrance porch;
the tones of face brick and tiles using decorative moulded bricks for string courses and hood moulds,
timber shingled fascias.
a variety of window shapes are evident including bull's eye and horseshoe windows.
decorative moulded bricks are used for string courses and hood moulds.

A number of unconventional features are evident:

split level plan,
banded brick chimneys,
corner butresses which extend beyond the eaves line for form square topped pilasters (a typical Federation Free style motif).

Hallway with polished timber floors

Main Features: 6 bedrooms, parents retreat, 3 ensuites, vast elegant formal living, polished timber floors, high ceilings, billiard room, study, large modern kitchen and 3 bathrooms.

Billiard room

Other Features: Built-in wardrobes, pantry, air-conditioning, storage space, impressive summerhouse, in-ground pool, spa, change room, garaging for 2 cars plus numerous secure parking.

Summary: "Darenth" delivers yesteryears rustic charm with today's modern comfort. This magnificent family haven boasts a flawless indoor and outdoor entertaining lifestyle and provides generous space for in-law accommodation.

Parents retreat, 3 ensuites, formal living, polished timber floors, high ceilings, billiard room, study, modern kitchen, 3 bathrooms, built-in wardrobes, pantry, air-conditioning, storage space, impressive summerhouse, in-ground pool, spa, change room, garaging for 2 cars plus numerous secure parking.