144 Louisa Road, Birchgrove NSW 2041
Every home has a story — whether it spans generations or is only just beginning.
About Louisa Road
Formation or subdivision evidence is recorded from 1860. The first extracted Sands reference is 1866. The source contains naming-origin evidence.
- Birch set about building a house called Birch Grove .
- 1860 — Joubert's 1860 subdivision created Louisa Road, Numa Street, Rose Street and Ferdinand Street.
- After the land changed hands a few times, Lieutenant John Birch, paymaster of the 73rd regiment — the holding.
Some historical information was obtained using Streets, Lanes, and Places 1836–2017 by Yvonne Davidson and Kathleen Hamey, The Balmain Association Inc. (2017).
The story of this home
Raywell
Jeffery dates Duncan Smith’s stucco house to shortly after his July 1883 purchase. Rachel Cole Wells acquired it in 1888, named it Raywell and lived there until 1928.
Sisters Margaret Euphemia (Pheme) and Catherine (Kate) Lycett bought Raywell in April 1930. Their husbands George and Norman and their extended family lived here. Norman and Kate later moved to Waitara at 45 Wharf Road; George and Pheme remained at Raywell. Family ownership continued until 1960.
Raywell, also known as Carnegie House, is recorded on the NSW State Heritage Register as item 00093. The heritage record gives both c.1883 and 1885 construction dates; the exact year is therefore left unset.
Pamela Jeffery, “Birchgrove: 1796–1985”, Leichhardt Historical Journal No. 15 (1986), p. 26. Read source.
Historic people
People whose lives form part of this house’s story.
Catherine (Kate) Lycett
Kate bought Raywell with Pheme, later moving with Norman and their children to Waitara.
View full profile →George Lycett
George and Pheme remained at Raywell after Norman and Kate moved to Waitara.
View full profile →Margaret Euphemia (Pheme) Lycett
Pheme bought Raywell with her sister Kate and lived here with George and their extended family.
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Rachel Cole Wells
Wells named the house Raywell.
View full profile →Existing people — add information or manage entries
People associated with this house
Residents, owners, builders and others whose connection forms part of this house’s history.
Catherine (Kate) Lycett — Joint purchaser and resident · From April 1930
From April 1930
Kate bought Raywell with Pheme, later moving with Norman and their children to Waitara.
Sources:
Pamela Jeffery, “Birchgrove: 1796–1985”, Leichhardt Historical Journal No. 15 (1986), p. 26.
George Lycett — Resident; Tay Lighterage partner · From 1930
From 1930
George and Pheme remained at Raywell after Norman and Kate moved to Waitara.
Sources:
Pamela Jeffery, “Birchgrove: 1796–1985”, Leichhardt Historical Journal No. 15 (1986), p. 26.
Margaret Euphemia (Pheme) Lycett — Joint purchaser and resident · From April 1930
From April 1930
Pheme bought Raywell with her sister Kate and lived here with George and their extended family.
Sources:
Pamela Jeffery, “Birchgrove: 1796–1985”, Leichhardt Historical Journal No. 15 (1986), p. 26.
Rachel Cole Wells — Owner and resident · 1888–1928
1888–1928
Wells named the house Raywell.
Sources:
Pamela Jeffery, “Birchgrove: 1796–1985”, Leichhardt Historical Journal No. 15 (1986), p. 26.
Timeline
3Events are grouped into 20-year spans by their starting year. Full date ranges are retained.
1880–1899 (1 event)
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Feb 1888
1920–1939 (1 event)
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Apr 1930
1960–1979 (1 event)
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1960
* Historical information for marked Timeline entries sourced from Pamela Jeffery, Leichhardt Historical Journal No. 15, “Birchgrove: 1796–1985”, p. 26.
Memories from people
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