Albuhera Cottage (1860s)

This small cottage was removed from its site on Brown Street in 1991 after a debate as to whether it should be purchased and restored by the New Plymouth District Council.

There remains considerable doubt as to the exact history of the cottage. The Baldocks lived in the dwelling from 1932 until the death of Mrs Baldock in 1986. William Baldock is credited with naming it "Albuhera" - after a battle in which the 57th Regiment obtained honours during the Peninsula Wars. 

Baldock was also a passionate advocate for the rebuilding of the New Plymouth clocktower after its demolition. He installed a chiming clock above his front door (modelled on the old town clock), said to be heard, "almost two blocks away".

It's possible the cottage was built in the 1860s. During renovations a penny of that date was found in the framing of the building. However a Landcorp report (ARC2004-236) commissioned by NPDC in 1990 concluded that there wasn't enough evidence to confirm this date. It also appears the cottage has been moved through 90 degrees to align with Brown Street (formed in 1865).

The cottage was described as a single-storey, two bedroomed dwelling with a 'lean-to' type extension added at some stage. Around 1891 timber and a door from the Marsland Hill barracks were used in repairs. 

In July 1991 the NPDC decided to allow the removal of the cottage as it no longer fulfilled the criteria for its Historic Places Trust category II notation. It was reported that an agreement was reached between the council and then owners Peter and Cecily White-Robinson for the possible relocation and re-use of the cottage.

The cottage was moved to the Waiweranui Youth Camp, on Upper Kahui Road, near Rahotu. At the time, Trust chairman, Peter Johns, said that the cottage would be restored and used as bunk rooms. The cottage was eventually demolished sometime between 2009 and 2013. 

It was located on the west side of Brown Street, part of old town sections 2001,2002 and 2003. 

Related documents:

Albuhera Cottage History (TRC information files)

Exploits of the "Diehards" Recalled : Regimental Button Found (Taranaki Herald 13 October 1952)

Historic Glimpses In Old House (Daily News 21 January 1961)

A backward step of 100 years (New Zealand Women's Weekly 1 December 1969)

Historic Home Now Nears Its Century (City Express 1983)

Cottage's future debated (Taranaki Herald 11 February 1987)

Reminder Of 'Redcoat' Days Sunday Express 30 August 1987

Pioneer cottage's fate uncertain (Taranaki Herald 25 March 1989)

Council may buy Albuhera Cottage (Daily News 5 May 1990)

Committee Wants Cottage Moved (Daily News 17 June 1991)