This large and attractive bungalow was constructed for Robert Mantey in 1922. The house was designed by noted New Plymouth architects Messenger, Griffiths & Taylor, who advertised for tenders for its construction in early December 1921 (TDN 5 December 1921).
A permit was granted by the Borough Council to Robert Mantey on 4 January 1922 for the construction of a residence on Lot 8, Beach Street – G. M. Thomson was the builder, and the estimated construction cost was a sizeable £2250. Robert Mantey was a retired farmer from Inglewood who died on 9 August 1941, aged 84. (TDN 12 August 1941)
The large house on a double section (Lot 8 and 10, DP4100) has operated as an emergency shelter for homeless men since about 1976. However, due to a change in regulations, requiring a high level of compliance costs for the trust running the shelter, the Taranaki Daily News reported on 1 December 2023 that the shelter will close before Christmas.
Related document:
Homeless Shelter Faces Closure (Taranaki Daily News 21 June 1921)
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