Brodie Residence (1901)

This attractive villa was originally constructed for W. J. V. Hasluck in 1901. The home was designed by New Plymouth architect W. F. Brooking, who called for tenders for construction of a residence for W. J. V. Hasluck, on Belt Road, in November 1901. William Hasluck died suddenly at his residence in Belt Road in 1907.  

Walter and Martha moved their family from Thames to New Plymouth in 1920 and purchased this residence located at the top of the steep Belt Road incline.

One of their children was the noted novelist John Brodie, who wrote under the pseudonym, John Guthrie. After having his leg amputated following a serious rugby injury Brodie wrote his first novel, The Little Country. He returned to the family home in New Plymouth before travelling to England in 1935.

In 1954 one of John Brodie's bothers, Alex Brodie, was recorded as living in the house, indicating the family still owned the property. 

Related plans:

Taranaki DP1896 Sheet 1, Subdivision of Town Belt B "Oranoa" (1901), ICS Pre 300,000 Cadastral Plan Index (Imaged by LINZ)

Taranaki DEED45 Sheet 1 Town Belt B (1927), ICS Pre 300,000 Cadastral Plan Index (Imaged by LINZ)

Taranaki DP5064 Sheet 1 Subdivision of Lot 1 Deeds Plan 45, ICS Pre 300,000 Cadastral Plan Index (Imaged by LINZ)