This large two-storey house was located at 234 Devon Street East (old town section 1445) and for many years was the home of Dr. Rex Brewster and his wife Monica.
The house was originally built in 1910 (a building permit granted 8 October 1910) for Dr. Wylie at an estimated cost of £2,300. The 'architect' noted in the building permit register appears to be "Lush(?) & James". Lush was a local builder and it's possible that James was Thomas James an architect in Whanganui. The Taranaki Herald reported on 13 January 1911 (p.2) that Dr. Wylie was now operating from his new residence.
The Brewster's bought the property in 1927 after returning from overseas. Rex established his medical practice, working from rooms in the house. It is described in a booklet about Monica Brewster as having "nineteen rooms, in the style of an English cottage".
In 1950 the Brewster's moved to a smaller house at 78 Pendarves Street. Rex Brewster died at home on 23 January 1952. (Taranaki Herald 23 January 1952)
The house was demolished in January 1974 to make space for a three-storey office block for Newton King Ltd.
It was located on the south side of Devon Street East - opposite what is currently (2023) the Vet Group premises.
Bernard Aris Watercolour (Puke Ariki collection)
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