Houses
‘The Seven Sisters’, 188 Oriental Parade, 190 Oriental Parade, 192 Oriental Parade, 194 Oriental Parade, 196 Oriental Parade, 198 Oriental Parade
Image: WCC
No.190 Oriental Parade (Image: WCC - Charles Collins, 2015)
No.198 Oriental Parade (Image: WCC - Charles Collins, 2015)
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Constructed
1906
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Architect(s)
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Builder(s)
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These houses are of architectural value for although they were designed following convention and traditional style, each house was designed differently to create an atmosphere of individualism. They are an unusual example of a New Zealand interpretation of San Franciscan terrace housing.
These houses have had long individual histories, with a number of significant people having occupied them. Most have had quiet histories, so are associated with modest historic value, while others such as 188, where Sir Apirana Ngata lived for 15 years, possess nationally significant associations. These houses are all associated with their architect Joshua Charlesworth, a prominent Wellington architect.
These houses are highly visible from Oriental Parade and contribute a great deal to the Oriental Parade streetscape. The varied designs contribute significantly to the value, character and sense of place on Oriental Parade.
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Downloadable(s)
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History
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The seven houses that make up 188-200 Oriental Parade, now known as the ‘Seven Sisters’, are the remainder of an original group of nine. The group of nine houses were designed by Wellington architect Joshua Charlesworth. (1861-1925), In 1906, Charlesworth already a successful architect, embarked on a speculative housing development on vacant land owned by the Wellington Diocesan Board of the Anglican Church on Oriental Parade. Charlesworth leased the land for 42 years and initially built eight houses, construction of which finished the following year. Charlesworth subdivided the properties for leasing to individual occupiers. The ninth (186) was completed in 1909. In a career that began in the late 1880s, he designed banks for the BNZ (17 in all), as well as large houses, churches and post offices. His most famous building was the Wellington Town Hall (1902-04). Charlesworth initially appears to have leased the properties for tenants but from the 1920s onwards, the properties were passed to individual lessees.
No. 188
The house at 188 Oriental Parade was first leased to William Wiggins in 1921. Following Wiggins was Edward Parlatt, an artist, and Frank Bushell, a company manager. He was followed by Sir Apirana Ngata (1874-1950), one of the most prominent and well respected Maori figures in New Zealand history. He was an MP and cabinet minister for many years, both in the United and coalition ministries. He was a lawyer, scholar, and a great promoter of Maori cultural traditions. He lived in the house following his appointment to cabinet in 1928 and used it every year until he left the House of Representatives in 1943. Following Ngata’s occupation, the house was tenanted by Frederick Scaife, a wool buyer, who purchased the lease in 1948 for 21 years. Scaife was a long standing lessee and occupant. His lease was taken over by Stewart Payne in 1969. The following year the property was transferred to Jill and Jann Payne as tenants in common. At this time the house was converted into two flats and substantial changes were made as a result. In 1975 the lease was transferred to Jill Brown (nee Payne). In 1987 the property was purchased by Denys Holden, a company director and his wife Suzanne, who immediately transferred the house into a company – W.G. Robinson LTD. In 1997 the house was purchased by company director Reginald Walker and his wife Suzanne who remain the owners.
No. 190
The lease for the house at 190 was acquired in 1922 by Samuel Williams, founder of the furnishing firm, S.S. Williams and Co., Ltd. Williams lived in the house until c.1932. In 1933 Francis Nelson acquired the lease and in 1934-35 undertook additions to the dwelling. The house was rented to Richard McNicholl (1933), Mrs E. Henderson (1934), and J. Morrie Mackenzie, a noted sports journalist. Born in Invercargill, Mackenzie began his journalism career with the Southland Times. He later worked for the Auckland Star, establishing himself as a rugby critic. In later years he was the associate editor and sports editor if the Truth and the New Zealand Sportsman. Between 1938 and 1940 the house was tenanted to the surveyor William Nelson (1901-1964). Nelson was appointed Assistant Commissioner of Crown Lands Otago (1945-1949), Chief Surveyor Wellington (1949-1954), and Assistant Surveyor General (1954-1960). On his retirement from the Lands and Survey Department in 1960, he became acting Town Planner for Hutt County Council. Other occupants of the house were William Morris (Engineer, 1941) and Mrs G Ellias (1943-1955).
In November 1948 the lease was acquired by John Maddever for a term of 21 years. The lease was renewed in April 1969, this time the name of Maddaver’s wife, Lorna, was included in the lease. In 1978 the lease was transferred to Malcolm Sheffield who made a number of additions and alterations to the house including repiling (1980), changes to the laundry (1982), and the addition of an entrance porch and alterations to the windows at the rear of the house (1983). In June 1994 the lease was transferred to Gretchen Sheffield (wife of Malcolm). The property is presently owned by Abraham Trustees Limited.
No. 192
In the case of 192, the first lease was to William Denby on 10th October 1922, expiring on 5 April 1948. This lease was passed to Catherine Fraser on the same terms, however Denby remained the occupant until at least the end of the decade. By 1933 Thomas Fraser a journalist (possibly also the husband of Catherine) was listed as the occupant by street directories. Catherine renewed her lease in 1948 for 21 years, but possibly died at almost the same time because the certificate of title suggests that her estate was transmitted to executors. Thomas Fraser remained the occupant of the house at this time.
In 1969 the lease passed to Wallace Robinson, a wool buyer, for 21 years and he took over occupancy from Thomas Fraser. Robinson was listed as the owner of the house by the Wellington City Council when the house was converted to two flats in 1965 although the plans state that the work was carried out for a Mr M. Urlich.
In 1985 Guy Robinson took over the lease and remains the owner in 2013.
No. 194
In 1923 the lease for No. 194 was taken over by Charlotte Wallis and lived there with her husband John, an engineer. They were longstanding occupants, with Charlotte remaining in the house following the death of her husband in 1940, and renewing the lease in 1948. This renewed lease was transferred to Olga Shand, although Shand lived in Hanmer and appears to have never occupied the house at 194. In 1962, after Charlotte Wallis left the house, plans were drawn up to convert the house into two flats, but this did not occur until 1970.
In the early 1960s the house was occupied by a member of the Soviet legation, Gergel Jogene. He was followed by Argyle McKain, a salesman. By the early 1970s E.M. Berg, a technician was the occupant. Olga Shand renewed her lease in 1969, and following her death in 1990 the property was transmitted to Diana and Lesley Shand, both of Christchurch, who remain the owners in 2013.
No. 196
The house at 196 appears to have changed hands quickly following its passing to individual leases from the 1920s onwards. George Hannah, a son of bootmaker Robert Hannah, founder of the Hannah Shoe Co., took a 26 year lease from 1922, but it was immediately transferred to John Mason, who in turn, transferred it to Alice Spear in 1923. Spear converted the house into two flats and added two garages in 1930 and remained the lessee until 1949. In the meantime Mason had remained an occupant but was replaced by William Wilkinson, a hairdresser.
In 1940, Arthur de Terte took up occupancy and he remained a longstanding tenant. In the early 1950s he was joined by Conrad Frieboe, an artist and they remained tenants of the two flats until the early 1950s. In 1948 the lease was acquired by Winniefred Cox, for 21 years. By the early 1960s the house was occupied by Violet Domb and Albert White, an electrician. In 1969 Professor Cyril Adcock (b. 1904), a psychologist, and his wife Ngaire took over the lease and moved into the house. They remained in the house until 1984 when the lease was acquired by John McLinden and Katherine Block. Carolyn Tolf purchased the lease in 1992 and in 1995 the property was acquired by Michael and Robin Dossor who have since on sold the property.
No. 198
In 1922 Alfred Hannah, son of Robert Hannah, took on a 26 year lease on the property, but it is (possibly his brother) George Hannah who is listed as the occupant. Upon Alfred’s death in 1931 and the last year that George is listed as occupying the house, the lease was transmitted to the Public Trustee. In 1933-34 Mrs M. Tyack, occupied the house and again in 1938. In the intervening period, Roy Hall, a driver, also lived there.
In 1940 Florence and Eva Staite took over occupancy and in 1948 acquired the lease. The sisters lived at the property for some time, with Eva surviving her sister. In 1969 John Ahearn acquired a 21 year lease, but upon his death in 1970, the lease was transferred to George and Elefteria Zavos, while the occupant was listed as Mrs M. Zavos. Following George Zavos’s death in 1981, his wife sold the lease to Robert Hall, a company director, and his wife Ann.
In 1990, architect and former Mayor of Wellington, Michael Fowler, and his wife Barbara purchased the property. They made some controversial and substantial changes to the dwelling, particularly to the front elevation. The house was sold to solicitor Mark Horton and his wife Gillian in 1993. The owners in 2013 are David McLay, Jean Cashin, and Michael Cashin.
No. 200
The first lease for No. 200 was secured by Thomas Corkill, an assistant general manager of the BNZ, and his wife Mara in 1922. Initially they appear to have let the house, and among the first tenants was Sydney Joyce, a manager. He was followed by Hubert Pullen-Burry, an industrial merchant. By the mid-1930s the house was occupied by Harold Donaghue, a cabinet maker. Mara Corkill was living in the house at the beginning of World War II, but by the end of the war the house was occupied by Alan Darroch, a clerk, and his wife Joyce.
In 1948 they took over the lease, for a 21 year period, but immediately transferred it to Peter McNeil, a civil servant, despite staying on as tenants for a considerable period. By 1957 Peter McNeil was the listed occupant with his wife Patricia, and they remained so for the next two decades, except for a brief period when it was in the hands of the Malaysian embassy. The McNeil’s constructed two garages, one in 1969 and one in 1972. The house also underwent some alterations while in the hands of the Malaysian embassy.
In 1981 the lease was transferred to Patricia McNeil and four years later it was transferred to Michael Wareham, a company director, and his wife Helen, a caterer. They made changes to the house including extensions to the garage, and remain the owners as of 2013.
Numbers 188-200 Oriental Parade are, as a group, an important element of the Oriental Parade streetscape. They have remained in a near-original condition, effectively preserving an important historic architectural precinct. The varied designed contribute significantly to the values of Oriental Parade and are a rare architectecturally designed example of the period.
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Modifications
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1906
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Oriental Bay [186, 188, 190, 192, 194, 196, 198, 200 and 202 Oriental Parade], nine dwellings (00053:128:7144)
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unknown
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No. 188
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unknown - 1967
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188 Oriental Parade, repile dwelling (00058:501:C21594)
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1969
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188 Oriental Parade, convert dwelling to 2 flats and double garage (00058:652:C30090)
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unknown
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No. 190
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1934
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190 Oriental Parade, dwelling additions (00056:152:B13575)
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1980
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190 Oriental Parade, repile (00058:1274:C54016)
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1982
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190 Oriental Parade, dwelling additions and alterations, laundry and kitchen (00058:0:C60237)
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1983
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1983 190 Oriental Parade, additions and alterations (00058:0:C61060)
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unknown
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No. 192
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1965
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192 Oriental Parade, convert dwelling to 2 flats (00058:432:C18507)
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1971
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192 Oriental Parade, repile flats (00058:734:C33226)
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unknown
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No. 194
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1927
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194 Oriental Parade, garage (00056:43:B4222)
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1970
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194 Oriental Parade, convert dwelling to 2 flats (00058:681:C31197)
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unknown
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No. 196
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1930
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196 Oriental Parade, dwelling alterations and garage (00056:110:B10034)
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1982
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196 Oriental Parade, repile (00058:0:C58739)
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1984
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196 Oriental Parade, dwelling additions and alterations (00058:0:C66776)
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1996
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196 Oriental Parade, alterations to bathrooms (00078:29:23888)
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unknown
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No. 198
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1980
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198 Oriental Parade, dwelling additions and alterations - roof only (00058:1298:C54915)
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1981
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198 Oriental Parade, repile (00058:1327:C55872)
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1984
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198 Oriental Parade, basement garage (00058:0:C66021)
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1990
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198 Oriental Parade, dwelling alterations (00059:385:E20215)
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1990
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198 Oriental Parade, additions and alterations (00059:413:E21044)
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1995
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198 Oriental Parade, dwelling additions and alterations (00061:151:14870)
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2003
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198 Oriental Parade, alterations (00078:1091:97188)
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2005
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198 Oriental Parade, extension to accessory building to create additional office space (00078:1572:127297)
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unknown
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No. 200
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1969
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200 Oriental Parade, 2 garages (00058:603:C28347)
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1972
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200 Oriental Parade, dwelling additions and alterations (00058:797:C35819)
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1980
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200 Oriental Parade, space heater with wet back (00058:1285:C54497)
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1985
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200 Oriental Parade, dwelling additions and alterations (00059:0:D420)
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Occupation History
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unknown
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Not assessed
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Architectural Information
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Building Classification(s)
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Not assessed
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Architecture
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These houses are an important example of the speculative housing that occurred in New Zealand around the turn of the century. This style owes much to the housing developments of San Francisco although New Zealand builders did not build many of the terrace style houses seen in San Francisco.
Each house is two storeyed and designed differently to create an atmosphere of individualism, and even though each house is different in this group, they were designed following convention and traditional style. The houses each have hipped roofs and gable projections. The individualism of the houses is expressed through the varied styles and decoration of the entrance porches and different arrangements of windows and balconies.
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Materials
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Rusticated and shiplap weatherboards
Timber detailing and joinery
Corrugated iron and tiled roofing
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Setting
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Numbers 188-200 Oriental Parade are, as a group, an important element of the Oriental Bay Streetscape. These houses have views over Oriental Bay and the wider Wellington harbour. They are highly visible from Oriental Parade where the combination of harbour and city views, sea-walls, and promenade, with bush clad hills behind and a number of high quality residences in the area create an attractive setting.
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Building Classification(s)
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Cultural Value
These houses are of architectural value for although they were designed following convention and traditional style, each house was designed differently to create an atmosphere of individualism. They are an unusual example of a New Zealand interpretation of San Franciscan terrace housing.
These houses have had long individual histories, with a number of significant people having occupied them. Most have had quiet histories, so are associated with modest historic value, while others such as 188, where Sir Apirana Ngata lived for 15 years, possess nationally significant associations. These houses are all associated with their architect Joshua Charlesworth, a prominent Wellington architect.
These houses are highly visible from Oriental Parade and contribute a great deal to the Oriental Parade streetscape. The varied designs contribute significantly to the value, character and sense of place on Oriental Parade.
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Aesthetic Value
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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?
These houses are of architectural value for although they were designed following convention and traditional style, each house was designed differently to create an atmosphere of individualism. They are an unusual example of a New Zealand interpretation of San Franciscan terrace housing.
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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?
188-200 Oriental Parade are as a group, an important element of the Oriental Parade streetscape. They have remained in a near-original condition, effectively preserving an important historic architectural precinct.
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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?
These houses are highly visible from Oriental Parade and contribute a great deal to the Oriental Parade streetscape. The varied designs contribute significantly to the value, character and sense of place on Oriental Parade.
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Historic Value
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Association
Is the item associated with an important person, group, or organisation?
These houses have had long individual histories, with a number of significant people having occupied them. Most have had quiet histories, so are associated with modest historic value, while others such as 188, where Sir Apirana Ngata lived for 15 years, possess nationally significant associations. These houses are all associated with their architect Joshua Charlesworth, a prominent Wellington architect.
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Social Value
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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 Oriental Parade due to the retention of original features and their long standing place on the street.
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Level of Cultural Heritage Significance
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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 maintain a significant amount of original materials, particularly the exteriors. The interiors have been adapted several times, so it is difficult to assess interior quality.
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Local Regional National International
Is the item important for any of the above characteristics at a local, regional, national, or international level?
This group of houses are of local significance for their historical associations, their contribution to the townscape, their exterior authenticity, and the place that they hold as an important group of period buildings on Oriental Parade.
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Representative
Is the item a good example of the class it represents?
These houses are an important example of the speculative housing that occurred in New Zealand around the turn of the century and important representatives of Joshua Charlesworth’s designs.
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Local / Regional / National / International Importance
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Not assessed
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Aesthetic Value
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Site Detail
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District Plan Number
12/ 240
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Legal Description
Lots 3-9 DP 5221 (3=188, 4=190, 5=192, 6=194, 7=196, 8=198, 9=200)
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Heritage New Zealand Listed
Historic Area, reference 7039
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Archaeological Site
NZAA Central City Archaeological Area R27/270
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Current Uses
unknown
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Former Uses
unknown
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Has building been funded
No
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Funding Amount
Not applicable
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Earthquake Prone Status
Not Earthquake Prone
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Additional Information
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Sources
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- Kelly, Michael. ‘188-200 Oriental Parade.’ Unpublished histories, prepared for Wellington City Council, 2001.
- 1906 Oriental Bay [186, 188, 190, 192, 194, 196, 198, 200 and 202 Oriental Parade], nine dwellings (00053:128:7144)
- No. 188
- 1967 188 Oriental Parade, repile dwelling (00058:501:C21594)
- 1969 188 Oriental Parade, convert dwelling to 2 flats and double garage (00058:652:C30090)
- No. 190
- 1934 190 Oriental Parade, dwelling additions (00056:152:B13575)
- 1980 190 Oriental Parade, repile (00058:1274:C54016)
- 1982 190 Oriental Parade, dwelling additions and alterations, laundry and kitchen (00058:0:C60237)
- 1983 190 Oriental Parade, additions and alterations (00058:0:C61060)
- No. 192
- 1965 192 Oriental Parade, convert dwelling to 2 flats (00058:432:C18507)
- 1971 192 Oriental Parade, repile flats (00058:734:C33226)
- No. 194
- 1927 194 Oriental Parade, garage (00056:43:B4222)
- 1970 194 Oriental Parade, convert dwelling to 2 flats (00058:681:C31197)
- No. 196
- 1930 196 Oriental Parade, dwelling alterations and garage (00056:110:B10034)
- 1982 196 Oriental Parade, repile (00058:0:C58739)
- 1984 196 Oriental Parade, dwelling additions and alterations (00058:0:C66776)
- 1996 196 Oriental Parade, alterations to bathrooms (00078:29:23888)
- No. 198
- 1980 198 Oriental Parade, dwelling additions and alterations - roof only (00058:1298:C54915)
- 1981 198 Oriental Parade, repile (00058:1327:C55872)
- 1984 198 Oriental Parade, basement garage (00058:0:C66021)
- 1990 198 Oriental Parade, dwelling alterations (00059:385:E20215)
- 1990 198 Oriental Parade, additions and alterations (00059:413:E21044)
- 1995 198 Oriental Parade, dwelling additions and alterations (00061:151:14870)
- 2003 198 Oriental Parade, alterations (00078:1091:97188)
- 2005 198 Oriental Parade, extension to accessory building to create additional office space (00078:1572:127297)
- No. 200
- 1969 200 Oriental Parade, 2 garages (00058:603:C28347)
- 1972 200 Oriental Parade, dwelling additions and alterations (00058:797:C35819)
- 1980 200 Oriental Parade, space heater with wet back (00058:1285:C54497)
- 1985 200 Oriental Parade, dwelling additions and alterations (00059:0:D420)
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Technical Documentation
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Not available
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Footnotes
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Not available
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Sources
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Last updated: 11/27/2017 1:42:51 AM