35 Fillis Street (1897)

2017 View: By Hamish Crimp

Town Sections 1096, 1097, & 1098 were purchased by Mrs Elizabeth Bramley in August 1892. Sections 1097 and 1098 were earlier advertised for sale in 1889 as part of the bankrupt estate of 'Boswell' - four, 4-roomed cottages were located on the sections at this time. 

In December 1896, Frank Messenger called for tenders for the construction of a residence for Mrs Bramley. Whilst Mrs Bramley owned other property in New Plymouth, including in Fillis Street, based on the style of the home (a typical 1890s Messenger villa), it is very likely that Messenger was calling for tenders for the construction of the villa currently at 35 Fillis Street. Later, on 24 December 1896, it was reported that R. Coleman's revised tender of £473 10/-, was accepted by Frank Messenger for the construction of Mrs Bramley's residence. 

The top floor rooms were added at a later date.