This cottage is an excellent early example of cob construction, and is of very great architectural significance.
Set some distance back from the road, the cottage stands on its own and is a highly visible and attractive feature.
List Entry Information
Status
Listed
List Entry Status
Historic Place Category 1
Access
Private/No Public Access
List Number
1632
Date Entered
25th September 1986
Date of Effect
25th September 1986
City/District Council
Tasman District
Region
Tasman Region
Legal description
Lot 1 DP 18429
Status
Listed
List Entry Status
Historic Place Category 1
Access
Private/No Public Access
List Number
1632
Date Entered
25th September 1986
Date of Effect
25th September 1986
City/District Council
Tasman District
Region
Tasman Region
Legal description
Lot 1 DP 18429
Why is this place significant?
Historic Significance
Historical Significance or Value The cottage was built for William Higgins, a sawyer from Bristol, who arrived as an emigrant in the Clifford in 1842. The 1849 census showed that Higgins resided in an 'earth' house with a thatched roof. It was situated on a 50 acre section then owned by an absentee residing in England. Part of the section was transferred to Higgins in 1858. Baigents acquired the almost derelict house in 1965, and it was restored with Trust and local help in 1985. It may be the oldest cob house in New Zealand, as well as a striking memorial of early Nelson as a community of small-holders.
Physical Significance
ARCHITECTURAL SIGNIFICANCE This cottage is an excellent early example of cob construction, and is of very great architectural significance. TOWNSCAPE/LANDSCAPE SIGNIFICANCE Set some distance back from the road, the cottage stands on its own and is a highly visible and attractive feature.
Why is this place significant?
Historic Significance
Historical Significance or Value The cottage was built for William Higgins, a sawyer from Bristol, who arrived as an emigrant in the Clifford in 1842. The 1849 census showed that Higgins resided in an 'earth' house with a thatched roof. It was situated on a 50 acre section then owned by an absentee residing in England. Part of the section was transferred to Higgins in 1858. Baigents acquired the almost derelict house in 1965, and it was restored with Trust and local help in 1985. It may be the oldest cob house in New Zealand, as well as a striking memorial of early Nelson as a community of small-holders.
Physical Significance
ARCHITECTURAL SIGNIFICANCE This cottage is an excellent early example of cob construction, and is of very great architectural significance. TOWNSCAPE/LANDSCAPE SIGNIFICANCE Set some distance back from the road, the cottage stands on its own and is a highly visible and attractive feature.
Construction Details
Start Year
1845
Finish Year
1849
Type
Original Construction
Description
Built some time between 1845 - 1849
Construction Materials
Cob walls with timber for gables ends. Roof was originally thatched, but had been shingled.
Construction Details
Start Year
1845
Finish Year
1849
Type
Original Construction
Description
Built some time between 1845 - 1849
Construction Materials
Cob walls with timber for gables ends. Roof was originally thatched, but had been shingled.
ARCHITECTURAL DESCRIPTION (Style) A simple workers cottage with gabled roof and a lean-to at the rear. MODIFICATIONS The cottage has been re-roofed with pinus shingles and new cob applied to the exterior walls. The interior has been refurbished. Windows and doors have been restored.
ARCHITECTURAL DESCRIPTION (Style) A simple workers cottage with gabled roof and a lean-to at the rear. MODIFICATIONS The cottage has been re-roofed with pinus shingles and new cob applied to the exterior walls. The interior has been refurbished. Windows and doors have been restored.
Historical and Associated Iwi / Hapū / Whānau
Other Information
A fully referenced version of this report is available from the NZHPT Central Region Office. Please note that entry on the New Zealand Heritage List/Rarangi Korero identifies only the heritage values of the property concerned, and should not be construed as advice on the state of the property, or as a comment of its soundness or safety, including in regard to earthquake risk, safety in the event of fire, or insanitary conditions. This historic place was registered under the Historic Places Act 1980. The following text is the original citation considered by the NZHPT Board at the time of registration. Information in square brackets indicate modifications made after the paper was considered by the NZHPT Board.
Historical and Associated Iwi / Hapū / Whānau
Other Information
A fully referenced version of this report is available from the NZHPT Central Region Office. Please note that entry on the New Zealand Heritage List/Rarangi Korero identifies only the heritage values of the property concerned, and should not be construed as advice on the state of the property, or as a comment of its soundness or safety, including in regard to earthquake risk, safety in the event of fire, or insanitary conditions. This historic place was registered under the Historic Places Act 1980. The following text is the original citation considered by the NZHPT Board at the time of registration. Information in square brackets indicate modifications made after the paper was considered by the NZHPT Board.
Current Usages
Uses: Accommodation
Specific Usage: House
Former Usages
General Usage: Civic Facilities
Specific Usage: Art Gallery
General Usage: Forestry
Specific Usage: Agriculture - other
Current Usages
Uses: Accommodation
Specific Usage: House
Former Usages
General Usage: Civic Facilities
Specific Usage: Art Gallery
General Usage: Forestry
Specific Usage: Agriculture - other
