Presently, there is a historical masterpiece sitting right here in Canowindra and unfortunately, not all of us have seen it.
Lyndon House, or ‘Lucerne’ as it was once known, was built by Andrew Purcell in the 1920’s and showcases amazing 1920’s art deco in the finest detail.
The house itself covers three blocks, and is the largest single story house in Canowindra. A mansion to outshine all mansions, the ‘lucerne king’ spared no expense when building this palatial home, decking the walls out with expensive wood panelling and a different decorative ceiling in each room.
The name ‘Lucerne,’ which is still clearly inscribed in tiles on the front doorstep (inset), came from Andrew’s successful Lucerne flat enterprise.
During the Depression, Andrew was bankrupted and vacated the house, leaving it empty for a period of time. The Salvation Army purchased the house, and renamed it ‘Lyndon’ in the early 1940’s. The house was transformed into an orphanage for girls.
Elaine Colgate, a Psychiatric Nurse, then purchased the house from the Salvation Army in the late 1970’s and provided services for intellectually disabled people. This allowed them to be integrated with the community.
These services then branched out and welcomed people who were suffering from drug and alcohol abuse and the house is presently a Drug and Alcohol Rehabilitation Centre.
Lyndon House will be open this Saturday 30th November from 11-2pm to the general public to come and view the house. Why not come along, enjoy a BBQ and learn about this historical masterpiece right here in Canowindra.