Goldie’s Brae

• 1909
• 4 Goldies Brae (00432:230:19040)
• 1952
• 4 Goldies Brae, garage (00056:423:B32376)
• 1974 - 15
• Historic Places: 4 Goldies Brae (00277:324:28/6/40)
• 1992
• Garage encroachment: 4 Goldies Brae, Flaxbourne Holdings (00001:1801:47/5558)

• unknown
• (Privacy Required)
• 1875 - 1889
• Dr Alexander Johnston and family
• unknown
• Current
• unknown
• Allan and Brigid Pollock

Not assessed

Commonly known as the Crescent House or the Banana House, there is a charm about this building not fully explained by the graceful curve of the roof. The materials have been chosen and used with sensitivity - the slates covering the roof and the row of chimneys are well-proportioned and detailed. Even the weathering stains add to the building's dignity.

The solid back wall is twelve inches thick (304mm). It is believed to be the second house in Wellington to be built of concrete. The solid section of the house contains twelve rooms which all open onto an enclosed glazed gallery. The two end rooms are larger with bay windows, being the drawing room and the dining room. The solar heat collected in the gallery is stored in the massive walls, which heighten the contrast between the darker enclosed rooms and the light airy conservatory gallery.

Concrete, timber, slate roof.

Goldie’s Brae is situated near the bottom Wadestown hill, sitting below the road of Grosvenor Terrace, and above the houses that front Frandi Street. Goldies Brae, the road, is beyond a couple of houses to the south-east. The house curves around the western boundary of the property. The house looks eastward out over industrial north Thorndon to the railway yards, the motorway, and the port, with Westpac Stadium to the south-east, and beyond to the harbour.

• Architectural

  Does the item have architectural or artistic value for characteristics that may include its design, style, era, form, scale, materials, colour, texture, patina of age, quality of space, craftsmanship, smells, and sounds?

  Goldies Brae has architectural value for its unique and innovative design. Designed by the original owner Dr Alexander Johnston, the segmental house features a conservatory that hugs the internal curve and can be accessed from all ten of Goldies Brae’s rooms, enabling solar heating for the entire house.

• Association

  Is the item associated with an important person, group, or organisation?

  Goldies Brae has historical significance with its association with Dr Alexander Johnston, an important figure in early Wellington medicine. The house is also historically significant as it was only the second house in Wellington to be built using concrete.

• Archaeological

  Does the item have archaeological value for its ability to provide scientific information about past human activity?

  Goldies Brae has archaeological value for the presence of a pre-1900 building.

• Technological

  Does the item have technological value for its innovative or important construction methods or use of materials?

  As only the second building in Wellington to be constructed from concrete, Goldies Brae has technological value for its innovative construction method and use of materials.

• Identity Sense Of Place Continuity

  Is the item a focus of community, regional, or national identity? Does the item contribute to sense of place or continuity?

  Goldies Brae’s construction in 1875/76 gives it obvious continuity value for its lengthy existence.

• Public Esteem

  Is the item held in high public esteem?

  The eccentric design of Goldies Brae has meant it has enjoyed a level of public esteem for its long existence.

• Local Regional National International

  Is the item important for any of the above characteristics at a local, regional, national, or international level?

  Goldies Brae is important at a local level.

• Rare

  Is the item rare, unique, unusual, seminal, influential, or outstanding?

  Goldies Brae makes a unique contribution to Wellington’s architectural heritage.

Not assessed

• New Zealand Historic Places Trust. ‘Goldie’s Brae’. NZHPT. Accessed September 2013
• Towers, Roy James. Dr Alexander Johnston and His Hospital: An Appreciation of a Wellington Pioneer. Wellington: R.J. Towers, 1964.
• Wellington City Council Building File 1041-06-GOL4, Vol. 1. District Plan: Heritage Building – 4 Goldies Brae, Thorndon.

Not available

Not available