This large two-storey wooden house was built in 1913 by George Hartnell. A permit was issued to Hartnell on 13 October 1913 for the construction of a boarding house on Weymouth Street. The estimated cost was £1,800. Hartnell advertised the sale "for Removal" of a cottage from Weymouth Street in September 1913, possibly in preparation for the new house.
The first proprietress was Mrs. S. Whishaw who placed an advertisement in early May 1914, however on 7 December 1914, the Taranaki Herald reported that Mrs E. Golding had taken over the "Rahui" boarding house on Weymouth Street.
Subsequent owners/lessors of the property include: Mrs Mary Bradford (1920s and 30s) and Tom Lawson (1950s).
The building was later a backpacker lodge, known as Seaspray House. In 2015 the building was purchased by the Salvation Army Trust for use as short-term accommodation.
Part of Town Section 64. Taranaki Land Deed Indexes I5 page 7, I4 page 151 and I13, page 671.
Related item:
Rahui Boarding House, 13 Weymouth Street New Plymouth, Draft Heritage Assessment (Hamish Crimp).
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