Balmoral Terrace Perimeter Wall

• 1893
• Original construction
• 1922
• 10 Balmoral Terrace, additions (00055:13:A1322)
• 1937
• 10 Balmoral Terrace, convert 2 flats into 3 flats (00056:190:B16655)
• 2000
• 10 Balmoral Terrace, underpinning to dwelling foundation and stabilisation of retaining wall (00078:406:61462)

Not assessed

Not assessed

The fence is strongly Italianate in its form, proportion, and detail, more so than the house, which has influences from a range of styles. The main face of the fence is the northern (street facing) one, which also retains the ground in front of the property. The fence is divided into 4 ½ bays; 3 bays to the left, and 1 bay to the right of the small gate opening. Each fence bay spans between two and four tall columns, the tops of which are heavily mounted up to a point and which feature small scale dentilling work – the lower parts of the columns have slender recessed panels that add further detailing. Each bay has a solid panel at the base, roughcast but embellished with a diagonally crossed motif in the form of an open timber fence with a round boss at the crossings. Above this panel is a light cornice and a balustrade rail which has a dentilled soffit matching the detail on the posts. The gate is modern and made of welded steel. This opens into a recess in the fence and steps dog-leg up from this to the front door of the house. Various other pieces of wall retain and delineate the terraced front section. At the left hand side of the house, the face of the boundary wall is partly plastered and partly exposed brick which helps to illustrate the original construction. At the west side of the house, the boundary wall meets in to, and rises above, old garages at No.8 in the form of an extended parapet. The balustrade has some extravagant swoops worked into it to take up the increases in height to the posts as it rises up the site.

• Rendered brick and concrete

The house and perimeter fence is located on a narrow site at the top of Balmoral Terrace, a sloping cul-de-sac at the south eastern side of Newtown. It is set back from, and above the street; the hill rises sharply to the east, but the site is open to the other three sides. The house fills most of the site, save for the front garden and a small backyard area. 

The house and perimeter fence is a local landmark as it contrasts markedly with its more modest neighbours, and makes a positive contribution to the local streetscape. Its wider setting is the residential area of Newtown, which is predominantly, composed of old timber workers houses.  

• 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?

  The fence is strongly Italianate in its form, proportion, and detail, more so than the house, which has influences from a range of styles. It is of architectural value as an elaborate element of domestic architecture rarely seen in Wellington. 

• 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?

  The perimeter fence of 10 Balmoral Terrace is a local landmark as it contrasts markedly with its more modest neighbours, adds considerable visual interest to the street, and makes a positive contribution to the local streetscape.

• Association

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

  The history of the perimeter fence is connected to that of the house. The property is not associated with any particular historical figures or events, but does have a general historic/social value for its unusual development from a late Victorian workers cottage to an exotic small mansion. 

• Archaeological

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

  It is known that the property was in use pre 1900, and that part of the house pre dates 1900 making it an archaeological site under the HPA. The risk of accidental discovery is unknown. 

• Technological

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

  There is technical value in the design and construction of this perimeter fence. The composition, scale, and ornamentation is not typical of an architect of the day. 

• 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 eccentric and ostentatious fence and house stands out in its setting and is a local landmark, contributing visual amenity, character, continuity, and sense of place to the streetscape.

• 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?

  The fence appears to have had few changes made to it since construction, and retains significant original materials, and authenticity of design, craftsmanship, and setting. 

• Rare

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

  This perimeter fence is a rare example of such elaborate domestic architecture in Wellington. It stands out considerably from the predominantly timber buildings of the area. 

• Importance

  Is the item important at a local, regional, national, or international level?

  This fence, alongside the house, is locally important for its distinctive architecture, its landmark and townscape values, its unusual historical development, and its authenticity. 

Not assessed

• Murray, Russell. House – 10 Balmoral Terrace. Wellington City Council: Unpublished report, 2006.
• Wellington City Archive, 1922, 10 Balmoral Terrace, additions (00055:13:A1322)
• Wellington City Archive, 1937, 10 Balmoral Terrace, convert 2 flats into 3 flats (00056:190:B16655)
• Wellington City Archive, 2000, 10 Balmoral Terrace, underpinning to dwelling foundation and stabilisation of retaining wall (00078:406:61462)

• Inventory report

Not available