The Croft - former Orbell Residence

Architect Basil Hooper designed the property for Robert and Ellie Orbell in 1907. It was later gifted by 'Hamish' and Lorna Grant to the South Canterbury Presbyterian Social Service Association, with the transfer complete in 1972.

• Heritage NZ Inventory - Link: https://www.heritage.org.nz/list-details/2073/The%20Croft%20Homestead
• District Council Heritage - Link: 

‘The Croft’ was built for Robert Leslie and Ellie (nee Ulrich, c.1875-1936) Orbell, who married in 1907 and had two children.

Leslie Orbell (1868-1939) was a civil servant for the first 18 years of his career; he then took up residence in Timaru in 1901 and started business as a land agent and sharebroker. Orbell also part-owned a sheep run and was a member of the South Canterbury Hunt Club and secretary of the Timaru A & P Association. He was closely involved in the development of the Christchurch Golf Club at Shirley and the Timaru Golf Club. Leslie Orbell’s cousin Ivan (1889-1914) later became architect Basil Hooper’s pupil and, before his death during WWI, he was involved in the design of the AS Orbell house at Waikouaiti (1915) and the Ritchie house (1914) in Dunedin. (The Ritchies and Orbells were related by marriage). Leslie Orbell sold The Croft after his wife’s death but remained living in Park Lane. The house was later owned by James Grant , who bequeathed it to the

Presbyterian church in 1968. The building is now part of The Croft Rest Home and Hospital, which is run by Presbyterian Support Services.

TBA