Houses

• 1904
• Building constructed (00053:111:6153)

Not assessed

Not assessed

These two houses are externally authentic, with no significant alterations evident to their front facades. They are semi-detached, joined by a full height masonry wall, prominent on the front façade and above the roof line. This wall extends in front of the house and separates the two front paths. The houses are two storeys high, timber framed and clad in rusticated weatherboards, with corrugated iron roofs. The composition is symmetrical, with front doors adjacent to the party wall, and small open verandahs above.

The dominant elements in the composition are the two–storey high bay windows, surmounted by projecting gable roofs. The gables are supported on elegant curving brackets, and are decorated with fretwork in the apex. The façade has generously proportioned double–hung windows, the first floor ones with shallow segmental arch openings; these are reflected in arched openings to the porches. The front doors have stained glass surrounds, and the verandahs above turned timber balusters. A picket fence marks the street boundary of number 45, while next door this has been replaced with a modern brick wall.

The houses are two storeys high, timber framed and clad in rusticated weatherboards, with corrugated iron roofs.

The surrounding area is a mix of houses of similar and later periods, and there are commercial and even industrial buildings nearby. Number 45 – 47 is a substantial building, holding its own in this context because of its forthright design and strong presence in the street. It is understood that some of the interior features have been retained or restored but the interior was not inspected (2001).

• 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 two houses are a fine example of inner city housing in the first decade of the 20th century. They are to a bold design by Thomas Turnbull and Son, one of the most important architectural practices in the city at the time, and remain in very authentic condition.

• 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?

  The building has group value for the part it plays in the mix of buildings of different styles and types in the area.

• 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 building has townscape interest in Majoribanks Street, the street that joins the inner city suburb of Mt Victoria to Courtenay Place.

• Association

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

  Until they became part of a motel in 1976 the houses were principally investment properties used for rental accommodation. They have a representative, if uneventful, history that is typical of many of their near-neighbours in Mount Victoria.

• Archaeological

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

  The building is located in the Central City archaeological site reference NZAA R27/270.

• 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 have remained relatively unchanged on the same site since 1904, thus contributing to the sense of place and continuity in Mount Victoria.

• 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 building remains in very authentic condition, with a significant amount of original building fabric.

• Local Regional National International

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

  This building is of local importance for its contribution to the suburb of Mount Victoria.

• Representative

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

  The building (and its out buildings) is a very good representative example of high quality Edwardian town houses.

Not assessed

• Cochran, Chris, Turnbull House Conservation Plan (Wellington: Department of Conservation, 1991).
• Historic Places Trust, “Turnbull, Thomas - Architect”, Professional Biographies, accessed September 25, 2012,
• Historic Places Trust, “Turnbull, William (1868-1914) - Architect”, Professional Biographies, accessed September 25, 2012,
• Kelly, Michael, and Chris Cochran, 45-47 Majoribanks Street, unpublished report prepared for Wellington City Council, 2001.
• Deeds Index Vol.35 Folio 114, Land Information New Zealand, Wellington.
• WCC Building Permit OC 6153 (Plan, but no permit card), Wellington City Archives.
• Land Title Service, CT 347/213.
• Land Title Service, CT 497/66.

Not available

Not available