Died before his dream could be realized, George Loder Jnr never lived in Loder House. Welcome to Loder House, a building steeped in history and whispers of times long past. This heritage-listed residence at 126 George Street, Windsor stands as a testament to early Australian architecture and the lives that shaped it.
Loder House was built in 1834 for George Loder Jnr. He was a prosperous farmer and merchant. George was the son of a soldier who came to Australia from India. In 1819, George Jnr. married Mary Ann Howe. Together, they achieved success in their farming endeavors. They decided to move to Windsor and open a butcher’s store. Shortly after establishing their business, they began building a grand townhouse. Loder House was intended to house their large young family.
Sadly, George Jnr. died at the young age of 38. This was before ever living in the grand house. He was buried in the family vault at St Matthew’s Anglican Church. Loder House was left in trust to Mary Ann and his younger brother. In 1835, Mary Ann married her widowed brother-in-law, Thomas Dargin II. He also had a large young family. Together they took up residence in the George Street house. It then became known as Loder’s House. Thomas Dargin died in 1843. Mary Ann remarried in 1846 to Laban White. He was an auctioneer and prominent citizen of Windsor. They continued to live at Loder House until White’s death in 1873. Mary Ann then went to live with relatives in Singleton. She died there in 1882.
From 1874 to 1889, the house served as a branch of the Commercial Bank of New South Wales. The upper and rear sections provided a residence for the bank manager. In 1889, Benjamin Richards purchased the building. It once more became a family residence. In 1893, Richards sold the property to Daniel Holland. He was another prosperous merchant in the town. He and his family lived there for some years. They were responsible for the handsome cast iron lacework and stone walling. This replaced an earlier pallisade fence. Holland conducted a successful drapery business in Windsor. He eventually left the district in 1906.
From 1923 to 1940, the building was used as a boarding house by Reginald Wilbow.
In 1955, the property was transferred to Thomas Ogden, Thomas Cragg, and William John. In 1962, it was transferred to Norbert Cleary. He held it until 1973 when it was partially gutted by fire. Pacific Investments then purchased it. They applied to demolish the building. They wanted to redevelop the site with a modern office block. The proposal met with such strong public opposition. The Department of Planning and Environment purchased the property in 1975. This ensured its conservation.
Loder House stands as a rare and mostly intact two-story brick Georgian townhouse. It is located on Windsor’s main street. The building has been associated with several prominent local identities. These include members of the Loder, Dargin, White, Richards, and Holland families. The grounds of the house contain an 1830s boundary wall. There is also an unusual square outbuilding. It dates back to the construction of the house.
As you stand before Loder House, consider the many lives that have passed through its doors. Imagine the bustling family life, the serious atmosphere of a bank. Picture the quiet moments of boarders and the challenges of restoration. Loder House has been used for a variety of purposes since its acquisition by the state government. These include various now-closed restaurants. It was also used as a boarding house and for many years as a bookshop.
Loder House is more than just a building. It is a living testament to the history and heritage of Windsor. Its walls hold stories of ambition, loss, and resilience. It is a place where the past and present intertwine. Take a moment to appreciate the beauty and significance of this remarkable landmark.