Robertson Residence, 14 Wakefield Street (1913-14)

A permit was granted to R. W. D. Robertson on 2 July 1913 for the construction of a residence on Sections 29 & 30, Avenue Road - noted New Plymouth architect Frank Messenger designed the home, and the estimated construction cost was £989. The contractor was W. Cliff. 

The building appeared in Progress, New Zealand’s first architectural periodical, soon after completion in June 1914. The home was praised by the magazine for its layout and economical use of space. 

Plans showing ground and first floors from Progress, 1 June 1914

The home is significant as probably the first home in the English Cottage Style constructed in New Plymouth, and a very early example of the English Cottage Style in New Zealand - it would be another 5-10 years before this style would become popular in New Plymouth. The English Cottage Style evolved from the Arts and Crafts Movement, and the influence of this is more obvious in this home than many other English Cottage Style homes - especially on the interior, where the use of dark stained Oregon Pine is used in contrast with white painted plaster; a feature which still survives in the entrance-room/hallway.

Related items:

Robertson Residence (Former), 14 Wakefield Street, New Plymouth, Draft Heritage Assessment (Hamish Crimp, 2019).

Taranaki DP2926 Sheet 1 (1911), ICS Pre 300,000 Cadastral Plan Index (Imaged by LINZ)

Taranaki DP5953 Sheet 1 (1940), ICS Pre 300,000 Cadastral Plan Index (Imaged by LINZ)