J. W. H Martin Residence, 139 Brooklands Road (circa 1900s)

The exterior of this grand two-storey villa is in largely original condition - being clad in plain weatherboard and with sash windows. Based on its style, it is estimated to have been constructed in the early 1900s. It has recently been restored to a high standard. 

The home was likely constructed for prominent New Plymouth citizen J. W. H. Martin. Martin is known to have owned a 10-roomed house on Brooklands Road from the early 1900s until at least 1919 - whilst he advertised the property for sale or let several times, it still appears to be in his ownership in early 1919.

Martin strongly advocated for the extension of Borough water and power to Brooklands Road, and from his numerous letters to the editor of the Taranaki Herald and to the Borough Council, we know that his house was located on a corner within several hundred metres of the (old) Avenue Road (now Coronation Avenue/Tarahua Road) - this is very likely the current corner of Brooklands Road and UpJohn Street, and corresponds with the location of 139 Brooklands Road.

The architect was almost certainly Frank Messenger, with the house incorporating several hallmarks of his work, including the two-storey bay rising from faceted at ground floor level to square at first floor level and fish scale shingles on the gable ends.

The home is located on part of the original Brooklands Estate, being Part of Suburban Section 48, Fitzroy District - Brooklands was subject to the Land Transfer Act in May 1886. 

Related items:

Fitzroy District Section 48, Taranaki Land Deed Index I4 page 388. (Archives New Zealand)

Taranaki SO734 Sheet 1 (1896), ICS Pre 300,000 Cadastral Plan Index (Imaged by LINZ)

Taranaki DP1433 Sheet 1 (1900), ICS Pre 300,000 Cadastral Plan Index (Imaged by LINZ)

Taranaki (Lot 9) DP6493 Sheet 1 (1948), ICS Pre 300,000 Cadastral Plan Index (Imaged by LINZ)

Taranaki (Lot 2) DP8937 Sheet 1 (1961), ICS Pre 300,000 Cadastral Plan Index (Imaged by LINZ)