This villa was one of two near identical houses constructed on this section for C. Rennell in early 1901.
Rennell purchased part of Town Section 709 in June 1899, and in late 1900 commissioned noted New Plymouth architect Frank Messenger to design two villas for the property. Messenger called for tenders for construction of the homes in December 1900.
In early 1900, prior to construction of the houses, he offered a £1 reward for information leading to the person(s) destroying the fence on his section at the corner of Vivian and Robe Streets.
In June 1901, Rennell advertised to let "two newly-erected six-roomed cottages, corner of Robe and Vivian streets" - the other villa has since been demolished.
Related items:
Town Section 709: Taranaki Land Deeds Index I3 page 352. (Archives New Zealand)
Town Section (Part) 709: Taranaki Land Deeds Index I13 page 313. (Archives New Zealand)
House, 46 Vivian Street, New Plymouth CBD Heritage Inventory, Chris Cochran (1995).
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