Historic Significance

Historical Significance or Value Built for Charles Plummer Powles grandfather of the present owner. The land is part of original town acre No. 493, the north-west portion of which was bought in 1871 by C P Powles who had come to New Zealand in 1863. In his early days he was Assistant Provincial Treasurer in Wellington and after the abolition of the Provinces, set up on his own as an accountant and licensed land-broker.

Physical Significance

ARCHITECTURAL SIGNIFICANCE: Only building by Toxward known to have survived. It is a fine example of larger architect-designed house of the period with classical motifs traditionally associated with brick or stone buildings were being innovately rendered in wood. TOWNSCAPE/LANDSCAPE SIGNIFICANCE: The house occupies a commanding site in Kelburn with magnificent views of the harbour. On its elevated site it can be seen easily from a number of vantage points.