House

• 1928
• Box Hill, dwelling (00056:63:B6044)
• 2006
• Box Hill, dwelling additions and alterations (00078:2077:151044)
• 2007
• Box Hill, replace two existing windows with new bifolding doors opening onto existing deck area, new outdoor area at ground floor level (00078:2659:172463)

• unknown
• Not assessed

Not assessed

The main structure of the house is constructed of cavity brick, and only the first floor walls subdividing the bedrooms are not brick. The exterior walls are 16-inch thick cavity brickwork, with 9-inch thickness specified for internal partitioning. There are four fireplaces in the house, with their chimneys forming an important part if the building’s exterior form.

The main entrance porch opens onto the main hall, a grand staircase rising to the first floor, which accommodates the bedrooms. The house featured five bedrooms, and two additional maids’ rooms. The first floor also boasted three bathrooms. The ground floor is dedicated to the living areas; a large billiards room and equally large living room are arranged on either side of the central hall. The kitchen, a meal room, and maid’s room occupy the rear of the floor.

Brick and concrete structure

Cement render

Timber joinery

Marseilles roofing

The south elevation of ‘Boxhill’ faces onto Simla Crescent, it is only partially visible from the street, as there is a significant amount of vegetation around the house. From this vantage the house contributes greatly to the streetscape of the area.

• 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?

  38 Box Hill is a representative work of the Neo Georgian architectural style and is a substantial and impressive residential work by Joseph Dawson, a prominent Wellington architect. It retains a high level of exterior authenticity in design, craftsmanship, and materials.

• 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?

  This house has significant townscape values; it is a local landmark that contributes greatly to the character and sense of place in Khandallah.

• Association

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

  It has historical value for its associations with its owner Mr Robert Barnes Gibbons and with its architect Joseph Dawson.

• Archaeological

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

  There is one identified archaeological site associated with this listing – NZAA R27/386 – Military (non-Maori) – Sentry Box Hill

• 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?

  This building has played a role in Khandallah history, and has been the scene of many social occasions for the community. It contributes greatly to the sense of place and community identity in Khandallah.

• 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?

  This building has had few alterations made to it since its original construction, meaning that it has significant authenticity and integrity of materials.

• Local Regional National International

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

  This house is of local importance for its associations with prominent Wellingtonians, the quality of its architecture, the place that it holds in the history of Khandallah, and for its overall authenticity and integrity.

• Representative

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

  ‘Boxhill’ is a good representative of inter-war Georgian style, designed by a prominent architect.

Not assessed

• Historic Places Trust, “Dawson, Joseph McClatchie.”, Professional Biographies, accessed 4 September 2012,
• 1928 38 Box Hill, dwelling (00056:63:B6044)
• 2006 38 Box Hill, dwelling additions and alterations (00078:2077:151044)
• 2007 38 Box Hill, replace two existing windows with new bi-folding doors opening onto existing deck area, new outdoor area at ground floor level (00078:2659:172463)

Not available

Not available