Rossiter Residence/"Mount Hardy" (circa 1860s-70s)

This large Victorian home is thought to have been built sometime in the 1860s or 1870s - the style of the home, including chimney construction, window design, and very wide floorboards seem to support this. Whilst the exact construction date is unknown, James Rossiter called for tenders for the construction of two chimneys at his property "Mount Hardy" in late April 1876; this could relate to the construction of the present home, although is not definitive.

The section that the home is located on (Part Section 12, Fitzroy Suburban), was purchased by James Rossiter from 'Loveridge' in January 1863, and seems to have remained in the Rossiter family until at least the 1920s, when a 'Miss Rossiter' is noted as the owner. The earliest mention of 'Mount Hardy' in association with James Rossiter is in early March 1863, in reference to an auction of livestock to be held at Mr Rossiter's residence "The Home Farm, Mount Hardy". 

The building is in largely original condition, being clad in plain horizontal weatherboards, and featuring many six-pane double-hung sash windows - this is the only building of this style in New Plymouth.

Fitzroy Surburban Part Section 12, Land Deed Index I1, page 562.

Related items:

Taranaki DP851 Sheet 1 (1895), ICS Pre 300,000 Cadastral Plan Index (Imaged by LINZ)

Taranaki DP6798 Sheet 1 (1950), ICS Pre 300,000 Cadastral Plan Index (Imaged by LINZ)

Death of James Rossiter (Taranaki Herald 4 August 1890)