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Taiparoro House, 1882-
Taiparoro House: A Historical Landmark in Tauranga
Taiparoro House, located at the corner of Fifth Avenue and Devonport Road in Tauranga, New Zealand, is a historic landmark built in 1882. This North American Carpenter Gothic-style residence stands on the site of a former Māori pā named Taiparoro, meaning "stormy sea." Over the years, it has witnessed Tauranga's growth from a small settlement to a city. With its unique design and history, Taiparoro House remains an important part of Tauranga's heritage.
Mayor John Cuthbert Adams 1917, Te Ao Mārama - Tauranga City Libraries Photo 21-1867
- Before 1882: The site was a Māori pā called Taiparoro, valued for its proximity to the harbor and kūmara gardens.
- 1882–1973: John Cuthbert Adams purchased the land in 1882 and constructed Taiparoro House for his growing family. As his family expanded to eleven children, the house added bedrooms, enlarged the kitchen, and extended the living room to serve as a ballroom. In the early 1900s, it became a social center, hosting tennis parties, dances, and community events. The Adams family owned the house for over 90 years until they sold it at auction in 1973.
- 1973–Present: After the sale in 1973, the house and passed through just a handful of owners. . Developer A.K. Garrity owned the property until 1984, modernizing it while preserving its historical character. In 1984, Craig and Mrs. Wallis acquired the house and restored the original interior features. From the early 1990s to 2005, Kevin and Lois Kelly operated it as a bed and breakfast, further restoring the property with period materials. In 2005, the house was put up for sale and is still a local hotel. It remains a Category 2 Historic Place by Heritage New Zealand.
Taiparoro House is an example of North American Carpenter Gothic architecture, noted for its intricate woodwork and Gothic Revival elements.
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Exterior Design:
- Gabled Roofs: Steep gables with decorative bargeboards and gingerbread trim.
- Dormer Windows: Five multi-paned dormer windows matching the main gable's design.
- Verandahs: One-story verandahs with ornate fretwork on two sides.
- Finials and Bargeboards: Turned finials and decorated bargeboards.
- Etched Glass: Transom above the front door etched with "Taiparoro."
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Construction Materials:
- Heart Kauri: Built with rough-sawn heart kauri weatherboards.
- Roofing: Originally shingled; replaced with corrugated iron by 1905.
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Interior Features:
- Grand Living Spaces: Extended 30-foot living room with high kauri ceilings.
- Parquet Flooring: Ballroom floor made from various native timbers.
- Decorative Elements: Rose fretwork centerpiece, colored glass windows and doors, decorated trusses.
- Bedrooms: Initially six, with more added; upstairs rooms have sloping ceilings and dormer windows.
- Period Decor: Original Victorian wallpapers and brass rod-hung curtains.
Grounds and Surroundings
- Gardens: Originally a two-acre estate with native trees like kauri, titoki, karaka, and copper beech, reflecting both native and English garden styles.
- Tennis Court: Previously featured on the grounds.
- Outbuildings: Original stables converted to a garage while retaining the historic facade.
- Protected Trees: Five protected trees are present on the property.
Views and Location
- Harbor Views: Offers views across Tauranga Harbour to Matapihi and Maungatapu.
- Historical Site: Built on the site of a former Māori pā, adding cultural significance.
Significance and Legacy
- Cultural Heritage: Symbolizes the meeting of European settler and Māori heritage.
- Community Role: Served as a social hub, hosting events and fostering community bonds.
- Preservation Efforts: Successive owners have restored and modernized the house while respecting its original design; it is listed as a Category 2 Historic Place.
- Architectural Integrity: Remains a prime example of Carpenter Gothic architecture in New Zealand with many original features preserved.
Historic Adams Home 'Taiparoro' in 1973. Te Ao Mārama - Tauranga City Libraries photo gcc-29845
