In 1853 the families purchased a block of land outside New Plymouth, which they named Hurworth, and began clearing.
In 1854 the families built Richmond Cottage as a 'town house' in New Plymouth, and it was originally known as Beach Cottage due to its then seaside location. The house on the Hurworth block, also called 'Hurworth' was built on the cleared land in 1855-56.
Although the architect for Richmond Cottage is not known, it may have been designed by Henry Richmond and Arthur Atkinson. It is known that they were responsible for the cottage's woodwork, which was rimu.
List Entry Information
Status
Listed
List Entry Status
Historic Place Category 1
Access
Able to Visit
List Number
7088
Date Entered
26th August 1993
Date of Effect
26th August 1993
City/District Council
New Plymouth District
Region
Taranaki Region
Extent of List Entry
Extent includes part of the land described as Pt Lot 16-17 DP 578 (TN145/126) Taranaki Land District and the building known as Richmond Cottage thereon
Legal description
Pt Lot 16-17 DP 578 (TN145/126) Taranaki Land District
Status
Listed
List Entry Status
Historic Place Category 1
Access
Able to Visit
List Number
7088
Date Entered
26th August 1993
Date of Effect
26th August 1993
City/District Council
New Plymouth District
Region
Taranaki Region
Extent of List Entry
Extent includes part of the land described as Pt Lot 16-17 DP 578 (TN145/126) Taranaki Land District and the building known as Richmond Cottage thereon
Legal description
Pt Lot 16-17 DP 578 (TN145/126) Taranaki Land District
Why is this place significant?
Historic Significance
Historical Significance or Value Richmond Cottage has strong connections with one of the early pioneering families in New Plymouth, the Richmond-Atkinsons. It represents an early pioneering cottage, and members of the family assisted in its construction.
Physical Significance
ARCHITECTURAL QUALITY: Although simple in form and design, Richmond Cottage is typical of a residence of the early Taranaki settlers. It is unusual for its stone construction. TOWNSCAPE/LANDMARK VALUE: The cottage is now located in a garden setting within a reserve which enhances its visual appeal. The reserve is significant in that it was created to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the landing of the first settlers.
Why is this place significant?
Historic Significance
Historical Significance or Value Richmond Cottage has strong connections with one of the early pioneering families in New Plymouth, the Richmond-Atkinsons. It represents an early pioneering cottage, and members of the family assisted in its construction.
Physical Significance
ARCHITECTURAL QUALITY: Although simple in form and design, Richmond Cottage is typical of a residence of the early Taranaki settlers. It is unusual for its stone construction. TOWNSCAPE/LANDMARK VALUE: The cottage is now located in a garden setting within a reserve which enhances its visual appeal. The reserve is significant in that it was created to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the landing of the first settlers.
Construction Details
Start Year
1854
Type
Original Construction
Construction Materials
Stone walls and chimneys Shingle roof Concrete floor
Construction Details
Start Year
1854
Type
Original Construction
Construction Materials
Stone walls and chimneys Shingle roof Concrete floor
ARCHITECT/ENGINEER/DESIGNER: Not known ARCHITECTURAL DESCRIPTION: Richmond Cottage is a simple rectangular three-roomed cottage with a gable roof and verandah. Three sets of french doors open onto the verandah. The cottage is constructed of local stone, including the chimneys at each end of the building. MODIFICATIONS: 1961-63 Cottage shifted from St Aubyn St to present site. Cottage reconstructed exactly as original. (Stone blocks numbered and repositioned in original position.) Corrugated iron roof replaced with stone shingles.
ARCHITECT/ENGINEER/DESIGNER: Not known ARCHITECTURAL DESCRIPTION: Richmond Cottage is a simple rectangular three-roomed cottage with a gable roof and verandah. Three sets of french doors open onto the verandah. The cottage is constructed of local stone, including the chimneys at each end of the building. MODIFICATIONS: 1961-63 Cottage shifted from St Aubyn St to present site. Cottage reconstructed exactly as original. (Stone blocks numbered and repositioned in original position.) Corrugated iron roof replaced with stone shingles.
Historical and Associated Iwi / Hapū / Whānau
Information Sources
Porter, 1983
Frances Porter (ed), Historic Buildings of Dunedin, South Island, Methuen, Auckland, 1983.
Other Information
This historic place was registered under the Historic Places Act 1980. This report includes the text from the original Proposal for Classification report considered by the NZHPT Board at the time of registration. 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.
Historical and Associated Iwi / Hapū / Whānau
Information Sources
Porter, 1983
Frances Porter (ed), Historic Buildings of Dunedin, South Island, Methuen, Auckland, 1983.
Other Information
This historic place was registered under the Historic Places Act 1980. This report includes the text from the original Proposal for Classification report considered by the NZHPT Board at the time of registration. 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.
Current Usages
Uses: Civic Facilities
Specific Usage: Historic Property
Former Usages
General Usage: Accommodation
Specific Usage: House
Current Usages
Uses: Civic Facilities
Specific Usage: Historic Property
Former Usages
General Usage: Accommodation
Specific Usage: House
Location
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