In 1840, a ship named the Martha Ridgeway sailed into Wellington’s harbor. Aboard were William and Anne Taylor, embarking on a new life in New Zealand. Just a few years later, they began building their dream home, the Taylor-Stace Cottage. The Taylor-Stace Cottage stands before you as the oldest surviving house of European origin in the entire Wellington region. Originally built in 1847 in Pauatahanui, this unassuming cottage witnessed the earliest days of European settlement in this area. The Taylors initially constructed the back portion of the Taylor-Stace Cottage. They intended to farm their 100-acre block on Tawa Flat. Just a year later, they sold the cottage to Alfred Stace and moved to their farm. The Stace family added their own touch to the Taylor-Stace Cottage. They likely expanded the front of the house. However, the exact date of this addition remains a mystery, possibly occurring sometime between 1855 and 1860, or even later in 1906. The Stace family eventually moved to a nearby home called ‘Riversdale’, leasing the Taylor-Stace Cottage to various occupants. By 1969, the Taylor-Stace Cottage had fallen into disrepair. Fortunately, Huapai Properties, later known as the Whitby Community Developments Consortium, recognized its historical value. They purchased and meticulously restored the cottage, breathing new life into its aging frame. In the 1970s, the Taylor-Stace Cottage served as a charming craft gallery. For a brief period in the 2000s, it showcased captivating art. The Porirua City Council, recognizing its significance, provided funding to elevate the structure, protecting it from the recurring threat of floods. Today, the Taylor-Stace Cottage stands proudly as a Category 1 listed historic place with Heritage New Zealand, now operating as a beauty salon. Its journey, from humble beginnings to a place of pampering, is a testament to its enduring resilience.
Центральный дом работников искусств
Step through the grand wooden doors of the Central House of the Workers of Art, and you’ll be transported to