Webber’s Villa, 52 Lemon Street (1901)

This attractive villa was constructed for New Plymouth ropemaker William Webber in 1901. The architect was likely William Francis Brooking, who advertised for tenders for the construction of a cottage for Mr Webber in Lemon Street during March 1901.

Town Section 1593 (and neighbouring Section 1698), were leased by Webber from the Taranaki Education Board. The 1901-02 New Plymouth Borough Council rate book lists Webber as the owner of the sections, and no house is listed as being present. However, by the following 1902-03 rating year, a house is listed as being present on the property, and the combined value of the house and sections was £16.