Cultural Significance

This historic place was registered under the Historic Places Act 1993. The following text is from the original Recommendation for Registration considered by the NZHPT Board at the time of registration. Cultural/Social: The house is representative of the standard accommodation affordable to a professional in the 1920's in New Zealand. The houses designed by T H Bates were designed for people with means and status. These houses were often equipped with features such as an electric buzzer for maids' service and serving hatches connecting kitchen and dining areas.

Physical Significance

This historic place was registered under the Historic Places Act 1993. The following text is from the original Recommendation for Registration considered by the NZHPT Board at the time of registration. Aesthetic: Bates' House, New Plymouth, though of two stories, has elements of the Californian bungalow style. The attention to detail is in keeping with Arts & Crafts principles of honesty, simplicity and good craftsmanship. It has a pleasant appearance and the bushy setting of Pendarves St adds to its appeal. Architectural: Bates' House, New Plymouth is a two storeyed house with elements of the Californian bungalow style and is a representative example of the domestic architecture of T.H. Bates.

Detail Of Assessed Criteria

This historic place was registered under the Historic Places Act 1993. The following text is from the original Recommendation for Registration considered by the NZHPT Board at the time of registration. (g) the technical accomplishment or value, or design of the place: Thomas Herbert Bates, one of New Plymouth's most influential architects, designed this house for himself and his family in 1924. Bates was born in Australia and gained work experience in the U.S. and England. Later, in New Plymouth, Bates used elements of the Californian bungalow style in much of his domestic work including his own two storey home. This style is characterised by an emphasis on the horizontal with low pitched roofs and wide eaves, deeply recessed verandahs, heavy piers and beams, and increasing complex planning. According to Peter Shaw Bates "manipulated (the bungalow style) with flair and finesse."(p99) Bates' house incorporates many of the bungalow style features including the sleeping verandah, leaded windows, and built-in furniture, all of a high level of craftsmanship. The house has been altered at the rear but these additions do not impact on its streetscape appeal. Conclusion: Bates' House, New Plymouth, is recommended for registration as a Category II as a place of historical and cultural heritage significance and value. T.H. Bates was a significant architect in New Plymouth. His own house, designed in the Californian bungalow style, is representative of 1920's domestic architecture for upper middle class New Zealand.