The Blandfordia Alpine Club was established in 1961 with the selection of a lodge site on land owned by Major Ron Smith on the slopes of Mount Kate, Cradle Mountain. In May 1962 Major Smith built Blandfordia Lodge and the adjacent Mount Kate House. Major Smith was the son of James 'Philosopher' Smith and a friend of Gustav Weindorfer. ;;On Ron Smith's death in 1969 Blandfordia Lodge was vested in a group of friends, including Patricia Wessing, who was instrumental in having the lodges built. As at 2018, the Blandfordia Alpine Club owned and maintained the hut.