Douglass Residence (1922)

This two-storey house was designed by the New Plymouth architects Messenger, Griffiths and Taylor in 1922.

A building permit was issues to Mr Percy Douglass on 29 April 1922; the estimated cost of the dwelling was £1,400 and the builder was Francis Trevorrow. Mr Douglass was a motor cycle importer and a very accomplished lawn bowler and a past-president of the West End Bowling Club. He died on 12 September 1942, survived by his wife Bertha. (Taranaki Herald 14 September 1942)

Built on Town Section 701, the first owner was Thomas King, the father of well-known New Plymouth businessman Newton King and the founder of the Plunket Society, Truby King. Douglass purchased the section late in 1921 and it seems likely the King homestead had either already been demolished/removed or this was done just prior to the house above being built in 1922. It also appears town section 701 was subdivided in 1921, with Douglass building his residence on the northern half. 

See Taranaki Land Deed Index I13 page 224 and I11 page 542. 

The house was sold in 2012 and was later occupied by the surveyors, Juffermans (JSL).