Lyndhurst, one of Colborne's oldest homes, burned to the ground Saturday, January 6, 1945. The home stood at the northwest corner of King Street East and Elgin Street North.

It was a two-storey stately wood building with a one-storey wing, large gracious windows, verandas and a driving barn.

A January 5, 1945 article in the Colborne Express states a Crown Patent for the property was given to George Palmer July 15, 1803. It went to Joseph Keeler January 18, 1812 and then to Joseph A. Keeler January 1, 1824.

On February 22, 1832, James A. Goslee became owner on March 1, 1856. George Goslee and his wife transferred ownership July 3, 1871 to Thomas Bingley who, in turn, transferred it to Barbara J. Webb August 8, 1880.

On March 26, 1881, Barbara J and J.G. Webb sold to Levi C. Bailey who, with his wife, transferred ownership to their daughter, Emma J. Larke, on June 16, 1897. Emma was married to Charles Larke, an admired businessman and community supporter in Colborne for nearly 50 years.

At this time, we have no details of further Lyndhurst owners. Lyndhurst had been the primary residence of Emma Jane Larke for over 50 years, ten as the daughter of the Bailey’s and then for 41 years after her marriage to Charles Larke. As the longest-tenured residents, Lyndhurst was also colloquially known as The Larke House.

An ad in the Colborne Express dated July 28, 1938 offers Lyndhurst for sale: “Home of the late Charles Larke — modern conveniences, including drive barn, large corner lot. Must sell to settle estate”. Two Larke daughters, Mrs. C. [Louise] Trussell and Mrs. J. H. [Francis] Menzies, are listed as the Colborne contacts.

The Larkes being the longest-tenured owners of the property, it became known locally as The Larke House.

A January 11, 1945 article in the Colborne Express said the January 6 fire which destroyed Lyndhurst was attributed to an exploding blow-torch being used to thaw frozen water pipes. The local fire brigade, plus the Brighton hose truck and firemen, were called to fight the blaze in zero-degree weather.

In 2017, there are no buildings where Lyndhurst stood. It serves as a parking lot for the Prospect Missionary Church.