It appears this attractive villa residence was constructed for J.W. (Joseph Walker) Raby in 1900, designed by prominent New Plymouth architect Frank Messenger.
The Taranaki Herald reported on 9 June 1900 that Raby had bought six sections in the Te Henui suburb (later known as Chilman's Estate) and "intends to build immediately". That same month Messenger advertised for tenders for a residence to be built for J.W. Raby.
The house was advertised for sale in 1902, again in late 1903, finally changing hands in 1904.
A rates book for the 1907-08 rating year notes Margaret Alice Pattie (Leslie's wife), as the ratepayer for lots 24-26 & 31-33 of Chilmans Estate - the rateable value at this time was £340.
However, by the following 1908-09 rating year, the rateable value for the six sections increased to £853. This value remained the same for the 1909-10, 1910-11, and 1911-12 rating years.
(Note: This information from the rates book does point toward a house being erected later (1907-08), however there is clear evidence that Raby did build a house on this site in 1900-01)
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