Architecture

Architecturally, Lebrina, the house, is classified as Georgian/Victorian, built around the mid 1840’s, although some sources indicate that Thomas White could have built the house within a few years of his arrival in Van Diemen’s Land, possibly in the mid to late 1830’s.

Subsequent to his death, the following notice appeared in The Mercury (14/12/1885), noting that the house was viewed as ‘superior,’ constructed of brick (in fact Flemish bond triple brick) and that cedar (notably New South Wales ‘flame’ cedar) was used extensively, internally.

Instructed by the Trustees (George Smith Seabrook & Thomas Augustus Reynolds) to the Estate of the late Mr. Thomas White to sell by Auction:

Lot 1 Lebrina

That superior brick-built dwelling house at New Town, opposite the Post Office, for many years, the residence of Thomas White. Substantially built of brick, with cedar doors and linings throughout. Contains 8 good sized rooms; those on the ground floor, some measuring 16×14, while the upstair apartments are proportionately large. Fitted with every convenience: the water being laid on, and the gas laid to the door. This house is in every way adapted for a respectable family, and from its nearness to the city, with ‘buses passing every half-hour, it enjoys advantages seldom met with in the suburbs.

The garden, stocked with good and choice trees, stands on nearly half an acre, and with the house forms a most complete and snug home.

Lot 2

Land adjoining the above on which is erected the extensive workshop of the late owner, containing about one-third of an acre, with frontage on the Main Road. As a building site, in a good neighbourhood, it needs no recommendation. (the current location of the New Town Swim Centre)

Lot 3

Is the six roomed cottage adjoining Lot 2, also fronting on the main road, and now let at 8 shillings per week. With a small outlay, in a rising suburb, this lot must considerably increase in value. (later the premises of Brendan Dwyer’s New Town Watch and Clock Company at 151 New Town Road).

While a relatively small cottage, it has grand features, such as the beautiful Georgian-influenced architectural features on the facade, an original fireplace in every room, beautiful floorboards etched with life history, cedar-framed doors and the characteristic well proportioned rooms, for which Thomas White was noted.

Lot 4
Is the 3-roomed cottage and garden at the back of the above lots, standing on about half an acre of ground, let regularly at 6shillings per week, with a frontage to the by-street opposite the post office, and leading to the Risdon railway station (frontedCross St).

Left to Right: Lot 1 Lebrina (its half acre garden included the shop next door on the right); Lot 3 the 6 roomed cottage adjoining Lot 2, for many years the premises of Brendan Dwyer’s Tas Watch & Clock coy); Lot 2 currently New Town Swim Centre originally the site of Thomas White’s extensive workshop

Georgian Architectural Detail on the front of Lot 3, 151 New Town Road, matching some of the dormer detail on Lebrina