Westcliffe, 1880-2014 (Place)

SummaryBuilt in 1880 by architect Benjamin Stott Corlett. The two-storey timber-framed structure was clad in weatherboard with a corrugated-iron roof and a central chimney. It was constructed on a sloping site so that the front elevation appeared as a modest single-storey dwelling, while the lower floor was set against the fall of the land. Access to the upper level was gained by a bridge from the rising ground on the eastern side to the front door. It featured an uncommon free-standing, two-storey back-to-back brick fireplace.

From the 1890s to 1946 the house was owned and occupied by Mary Humphreys (née Henderson, 1865–1946). Widowed with three young children, she supported her family by taking in boarders and by establishing herself as one of Tauranga’s earliest professional photographers. An original an open verandah was later enclosed. Inside a steep, narrow staircase linked the upper entrance hall with the lower floor.

Surveyor Robert (Bert) T. Goulding, boarded with Mary and after her death in 1946, purchased Westcliffe. He enlarged the house, removed the narrow stair, and converted the lower floor into self-contained flats. When he married later in life, Margaret (née Wallis) joined him.

Westcliffe enjoyed a prominent outlook across the Waikareao Estuary to Ōtūmoetai. Goulding recalled that in the early 20th century the only houses visible in that direction were Woodhill (home of the Brabant family) and Maungawhare (home of Harry Bell Johnston).

The building remained on Wharf Street, much altered but still recognisably Corlett’s 1880s design, until it was demolished in 2014 to make way for redevelopment.SourcesThe Archaeology of 107 Wharf StreetRadio New Zealand: "Historic home couldn't be saved"Tauranga Heritage Collection: The Archaeology of 107 Wharf Street exhibition panel (MishMish Heritage, 2015).Ams 525/26: Notes taken during a visit to Mr and Mrs R. T. Goulding, “Westcliff,” Wharf Street, Tauranga, 11 December 1975.Mary Humphreys (1869-1946) by Lynda NobleRobert (Bert) Goulding (1886-1987) (WWI)Death notice, Mary HumpreysHands on Tauranga: The Archaeology of 107 Wharf Street3D rendering based on the early architectural drawings.

Our People (authority)

Corlett, Benjamin Scott, 1840-1925 (Person)

Humphreys, Mary (née Henderson), 1865-1946 (Person)

Goulding, Robert (Bert) Thomson, 1886-1987 (Person)

Photographs

107 Wharf Street 1997

Capt H Johnsons house 1997

Stories - People

An interview with Mr and Mrs R.T. Goulding (1975)

Maps

Plan of Westcliff Flats - 107 Wharf Street, Tauranga

Westcliffe om 1997. Photo 00-586

Usage

Kaitiakitanga StatementWe ask that, in addition to normal copyright and privacy considerations, users of our heritage resources uphold the mana and dignity of the people, communities and places depicted within.CopyrightTe Ao Mārama - Tauranga City LibrariesLicenseCC BY 4.0AcknowledgementTe Ao Mārama - Tauranga City Libraries, Westcliffe, 1880-2014 (Place)

Known Date/s

Date Built1880Date Demolished2014

Location

Map Address107, Wharf Street, TaurangaLatitude/Longitude^[1]

Relates To

Start here:Humphreys, Mary (née Henderson), 1865-1946 (Person)Goulding, Robert (Bert) Thomson, 1886-1987 (Person)Corlett, Benjamin Scott, 1840-1925 (Person)

Admin

AuthorTe Ao Mārama - Tauranga City LibrariesType of ContributionLibrary authorityTaxonomyStories | Places

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Westcliffe, 1880-2014 (Place)