Historic Significance

Historical Significance or Value The cottage was built for William Spinks, an early Wellington storekeeper, and from 1862 the first Wharfinger (Wharf Manager) of Queen's Wharf. The cottage has strong links with the early history of education in Wellington. For many years part of the house was used by Mr Spinks daughter as a school for young ladies. The school closed in 1879 and in 1884 the cottage was bought by St John's Presbyterian Church. The cottage had been owned by the church for 102 years.

Physical Significance

ARCHITECTURAL SIGNIFICANCE Typical, though large, cottage of the 1860s rare in Wellington now and in remarkable original condition. One of the oldest surviving examples of early domestic architecture in the city. Construction methods are of interest. SPECIAL FEATURES Has original windows. The large ones are unusual by being four panes wide by four deep. Finials, finely moulded beadings and a tight staircase leading to four heavily coved bedrooms are other features. TOWNSCAPE/LANDSCAPE SIGNIFICANCE Forms an integral part of a precinct of historic wooden buildings with the church and church hall.