Alfred Way Residence, 117 Lemon Street (circa 1901-02)

This villa was constructed for draper Alfred James Way during late 1901 or early 1902 - the architect and builder are currently unknown.

The 1901-02 New Plymouth Borough Council Rates Book notes Henry Govett as the owner of Town Section 1585 and also several surrounding sections. At this time no houses are noted as being present on the property, and the combined rateable value of Sections 1558, 1559, 1583, 1584 & 1585 was £16.

By the following 1902-03 rating year, Alfred James Way is the ratepayer for Town Section 1585, a house is noted as being present on the section, and the rateable value has increased to £28.

Alfred Way is first listed as living in Lemon Street in the 1902 edition of Stones Street Directory. He remained living in the house until his death on 28 April 1945 and is buried in nearby Te Hēnui Cemetery.

The villa retains many original features including single-pane double hung sash windows. A notable feature is the intricate fretwork on both the front gable (uncommon in New Plymouth villas), and also the porch. 

Located on Part Town Section 1585, Taranaki Land Deed Index I5 Page 66. (Archives New Zealand)

Related items:

Taranaki DP9966 Sheet 1 (1968), ICS Pre 300,000 Cadastral Plan Index (Imaged by LINZ)

New listing: Simply stunning - 117 Lemon Street (Taranaki Daily News 14 April 2018)