House

125 Aro Street, Aro Valley, Wellington
Image: Charles Collins, 2015

Image: WCC - Charles Collins, 2015

Map

  • Constructed

    c.1899

  • Architect(s)

    Unknown

  • Builder(s)

    Possibly George Baker

  • Despite some alterations, 125 and 127 are important representative examples of the modest workers cottages that typify pre 1900 European settlement in the Wellington region.  

    They contribute significantly to the wider historic townscape of workers cottages and larger villas that make up Wellington’s Aro Street contributing visual interest as an almost matching pair. 

    These houses contribute to the sense of place and continuity on Aro Street due to the retention of their original features and their long standing place on the street.

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  • close History

    • The houses at 125 and 127 Aro Street have had quiet histories but are important representative examples of the modest workers cottages that typify pre 1900 European settlement in the Wellington region. The land that these cottages now occupy was originally settled by Maori, and subsequently placed in Maori ownership following the subdivision and the colonisation of Wellington.

      The section of land that these cottages are now on was originally owned by Kuraheke Pumipe (Section 15) who sold the lot in around 1889 to John Blair. Blair divided the land, selling part to Robert Mason, and part to William Webb. 

      These two cottages were built for land owner Robert Mason in 1899, possibly by George Baker, a well-known builder and developer in Wellington. Baker was responsible for a number of developments in Mount Victoria and Te Aro at this time, and is thought to have built similar cottages at 205 and 207 Aro Street.  

      The cottage at 125 by 1945 had been placed in the name of Pearl Mason, wife of William Mason, who was named as the owner of 127. In 1945 both properties were sold to Geoffrey Charles Broad, who then on sold them individually in 1950. 

      No. 125 was sold to Eric and Alice Morrisley, who owned the property for a number of years. Following the death of Alice in 1967, Eric was made the sole owner. In 1971 the property was transferred to the Public Trustee and soon sold to Alfred Hall. 1973 saw the property sold again, to Clifford Harris Mills. The property remained with Mills until 1985 when it was purchased by Gary Fisher and Evelyn Scarfe. It was sold in 1993 to Michael Dreaver and Sarah Murphy. It was sold again in the late 1990s, and remains in the ownership of Catriona Macleod. 

      No. 125 appears to have had more extensive alterations completed upon it including the addition of a much larger bay window, windows on the side elevations, and cladding in weatherboard rather than corrugated iron as seen at 127 and 205-207. 

      No. 127 has had a number of owners as well. Following the sale by Geoffrey Broad, it was purchased by K.G. Hedges, a married woman, in 1950. In 1965 the house was transferred to John Hedges (possibly a son). In 1971 the house was sold to David Gibb, who on sold to E & S Cotsilinis Limited. By 1985 the property was again for sale and was purchased by Beryl Te Wiata, who sold it a year later to Ernst Fuhrer. The house was sold two years later to Callum McKenzie and Kathryn Levy. In 1992 the house was purchased by Anne McKenzie and Henry Beckford who sold the house in 1997 to the current owner. No. 127 has had some alterations but appears to be in reasonably authentic condition as compared to 205 and 207 Aro Street. A small window has been cut above the bay on the front façade.

  • close Architectural Information
    • Building Classification(s) close

      Not assessed

    • Architecture close
      These workers cottages are singled gable, rectangular in plan, and one room wide. They have rusticated weatherboards and a bay window on the street façade, and corrugated iron side walls. The bay windows give some depth to otherwise flat and uninteresting elevations. The cover board beneath the window sills are a feature of many early houses. The simplicity and small scale of these cottages add to the character of the Aro Valley streetscape.
    • Materials close
      Rusticated weatherboard

      Corrugated iron roof and sides

      Timber window joinery
    • Setting close
       These cottages are situated on Aro Street, in the Aro Valley. They are a pair of valuable additions to one of the best preserved precincts of period workers dwellings in Wellington.
  • close Cultural Value
    Despite some alterations, 125 and 127 are important representative examples of the modest workers cottages that typify pre 1900 European settlement in the Wellington region. 

    They contribute significantly to the wider historic townscape of workers cottages and larger villas that make up Wellington’s Aro Street contributing visual interest as an almost matching pair.

    These houses contribute to the sense of place and continuity on Aro Street due to the retention of their original features and their long standing place on the street.
    • Aesthetic Value close

      • 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?

        Despite some alterations, 125 and 127 are important representative examples of the modest workers cottages that typify pre 1900 European settlement in the Wellington region.

      • Group

        Is the item part of a group of buildings, structures, or sites that taken together have coherence because of their age, history, style, scale, materials, or use?

        They are a pair of valuable additions to one of the best preserved precincts of period workers dwellings in Wellington. These buildings are a part of the largest collection of intact working class buildings in Wellington, giving them an important local significance.

      • Townscape

        Does the item have townscape value for the part it plays in defining a space or street; providing visual interest; its role as a landmark; or the contribution it makes to the character and sense of place of Wellington?

        They contribute significantly to the wider historic townscape of workers cottages and larger villas that make up Wellington’s Aro Street contributing visual interest as an almost matching pair.

    • Historic Value close

      • Association

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

        While the historical associations may appear slight, as these buildings have not been associated with any events of great importance, their historical significance is associated with the fact that the area as a whole has an almost unbroken history of working class life, and the houses consistently reflect this history.

    • Scientific Value close

      • Archaeological

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

        These cottages are in an area known to have pre 1900 human activity associated with it, and were built pre 1900. Risk of accidental discovery is high.

    • Social Value close

      • 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?

        These houses contribute to the sense of place and continuity on Aro Street due to the retention of their original features and their long standing place on the street.

    • Level of Cultural Heritage Significance close

      • Authentic

        Does the item have authenticity or integrity because it retains significant fabric from the time of its construction or from later periods when important additions or modifications were carried out?

        These houses retain a significant amount of authenticity having had few exterior modifications.

      • Representative

        Is the item a good example of the class it represents?

        These houses are representative of the types of workers dwellings from the turn of the century. They are constructed in materials, and using techniques, that were common to the period.

      • Local

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

        These buildings are a part of the largest collection of intact working class buildings in Wellington, giving them an important local significance and should be recognised for their outstanding group heritage value.

    • Local / Regional / National / International Importance close

      Not assessed

  • close Site Detail

    • District Plan Number

      11/14.1

    • Legal Description

      Lot 2 DP 10683

    • Heritage New Zealand Listed

      2/Historic Place 4119

    • Archaeological Site

      Pre 1900 Building

    • Current Uses

      unknown

    • Former Uses

      unknown

    • Has building been funded

      No

    • Funding Amount

      Not applicable

    • Earthquake Prone Status

      Outside Earthquake Prone Policy

  • close Additional Information

Last updated: 11/1/2016 1:59:34 AM