This ornate Frank Messenger designed villa is located on Town Section 2016 and has thus far withstood the tide of commercial development sweeping along Devon Street.
The home was commissioned for Mr Felix Templeman Bellringer, son of well-known local politician James Bellringer. Felix was for many decades Town Clerk, and also a partner in local firm Bellringer Bros (with C. E. Bellringer and F. C. Bellringer).
A permit for construction of the house was granted by the New Plymouth Borough Council on 3 July 1902, and the estimated construction cost was £575 15s.
Felix lived in the house until his death on 20 June 1965, aged 88 years. The house then passed to Felix's grandsons Trevor and Ted Sturmer, on the condition that their mother, Esma Alice Bellringer (Sturmer, Waters), could live in it as long as she wished.
Related items:
Town Section 2016, Taranaki Land Deed Index I1 page 299. (Archives New Zealand)
Town Section 2000, Taranaki Land Deed Index I13 page 140. (Archives New Zealand)
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