
The Lodge History
Titles of the property go back to 1889 where the land part of a large chunk of the Darlington area north of the Darlington train stationall the way up to great eastern highway. Over the years the area was owned by a physicians, solicitor, surgeon, judge, MP, Ship and insurance broker, office manager, Accountant, business owners and a Entertainment entrepreneur. Dalry Lodge (The Lodge) was built in 1918 by Henry and Elizabeth Barker and continued as a residential home for many years. Henry Baker was one of the residents of Darlington that helped securer the land that is now the Darlington Oval, Tennis club and parks.
In 1925 Mr Baker passed away leaving the home to Mrs Baker. Some years later in 1931 she married Justice Thomas Percy Draper who too both lived in the residence until 1944. Mr Draper was chairman of the Red Cross and the property started to see its place as a venue for Entertainment. Mr Draper often entertained invalided soldiers at the property during the war years.
In 1944 Mrs Draper passed away and Mr Draper sold the property. Dalry Lodge’s (The Lodge) place in history now begins. In 1944 the property was purchased by Ted and Belle Banks, Mr Banks was a well know entertainment entrepreneur in Perth. The home was converted into a Guest House and Chalets were constructed in the garden grounds. Families would come up the hill and stay for a holiday. The Darlington area was serviced by a railway line that helped Dalry Lodge to be accessible to many. After the war the property got a bit of a name to as it was known some of the guests of Mr Banks City night clubs would also come up the hill with their lady friends to enjoy some time together… The property was run as a guest house for about 10 years then back to a private residence.
In 1969 Mrs Bell passed away and the home was auction for new adventures but no longer a guest house, but as a private residence for years.
In 2016 the property was purchased by Trent and Natalie. After viewing the home for less than 5 minutes they had fallen in love with the place. They could feel the energy of the area and the dream of a guest house was again a possibility. The guest house was something they planned to do when they retired or earlier if they could. Renovations began to make the tired home new again. The entire upstairs was completely guttered and began to be brought back to stunning beauty. This would be the homes residences. Sadly though in the middle of these renovations Natalie passed away and the Kids and Trent had to pick up the pieces. The home was abandoned for many months and the decision of what to do was left in the air.
Early 2019 the decision was made to return the home as a residence and guest house. The renovations restarted and the work to create The Lodge as it is now known begun. The entire downstairs area which will be the first guest house was completely renovated with a brand new bathroom, bedrooms, kitchen and beautiful lounge area to spend by the fire.
Come see it for yourself.
The Lodge has a feeling of peace, serenity, calmness and energy that can be felt before you even get here. You are a world away and now you can re connect. Weather that is by yourself, a couple or friends you will experience something unique here.
Darlington is quite an amazing place that give you a feeling that you are far away from the city but you can also see it. The nature trails are out of this world and you can spend an entire weekend adventuring the trails via foot or bicycle.In Darlington the stars come alive at night as the lights from the city are blocked somewhat by the trees. The Lodge is also very close to Lake Leschenaultia which is an idea location to hire our paddle board and experience something else different.