Villa Roma was built in 1905 in one of the earliest suburbs of Wellington. A heritage covenant was placed on the property after the renovations had been completed.
Heritage NZ
Architectural and Historical values - the house is typical of many early Colonial buildings in Wellington at the turn of the 20th Century, built around 1905, with simple roof forms edged with detailed mouldings, partly closed in balconies and porches, bay windows and double-hung sash windows. The house has retained its architectural features both outside and inside. It has featured in prominent New Zealand publication NZ House and Garden for its extensive interior decoration in an Italian Baroque style. It forms an important part of the remaining historic streetscape of The Terrace and is one of a diminishing number of substantial wooden residences that once lined both sides of The Terrace.
Historical values – the earliest record on the property was 1897 which recorded the sale of the land to Alfred Henry Miles (Merchant) who on sold to George Henry Harbroe (Insurance Manager) and his wife Arabella. In 1905 the house was sold to James Frankis Lane and his wife. The Terrace (Wellington Terrace and Woolcombe Street) was one of the oldest suburbs in Wellington, a prestigious area with large grand houses built for wealthy settlers and prominent business people. The property is one of a few remaining grand historic houses left on The Terrace.
Photographs of the Hallway and the Lounge when the property was purchased in 1994
