Te Aro, Central

36795110

Welcome to a truly special piece of Wellington history, an extensively restored cottage with a story that reaches back to the earliest days of the city.

Originally located on Tonks Avenue, this charming cottage is thought to have been built in the 1860s or 1870s by William Tonks for workers at the family’s nearby brickworks. Built in the simple Victorian Georgian style of the era, it is a rare surviving example of the modest working-class dwellings that once characterised central Wellington.

The Tonks family were among Wellington’s notable early settler families, arriving in New Zealand in 1842 aboard the Burman. The family later established the Tonks Brick Works in Upper Cuba Street, with bricks produced from local clay.

The connection to that history remains particularly tangible here.

In 2005, when the construction of the central city bypass threatened a number of these historic cottages, significant debate followed over their future. Ultimately, their importance to Wellington’s history and character was recognised, and this cottage was carefully relocated from its original home on Tonks Avenue to the purpose-built Tonks Grove precinct, just off Cuba Street.

Today, it forms part of a unique collection of historic buildings, brought together in a precinct that reflects the age, scale and character of early Wellington.

Following its relocation, the cottage was extensively renovated and restored, thoughtfully balancing its historic character with the comforts and functionality of modern living.

Inside, you’ll find two beautifully presented bedrooms and a well-appointed bathroom featuring a freestanding bath and heritage-inspired tapware. Throughout, the renovation has been approached with a real sense of purpose, preserving the character of the cottage while creating a home that works effortlessly for contemporary living.

Storage is exceptional for a home of this scale, with two pull-down ladders providing access to attic storage areas within the ceiling space.

Outside, the private courtyard and garden provide a lovely extension of the living space, with original Tonks bricks repurposed as paving, another wonderful connection to the story of this remarkable property.

The garden is securely fenced, making it ideal for those with pets, while the inclusion of a dedicated car park is a genuine luxury in this location.

And then there is the setting.

With Cuba Street quite literally on your doorstep, some of Wellington’s best cafés, restaurants, bars and independent businesses are just moments away. The city is easily accessible on foot, making this an ideal base for those who want to embrace everything that makes Wellington such a vibrant and distinctive place to live.

Relocated, lovingly restored and given a new chapter, this is an opportunity to become part of the continuing story of one of Wellington’s most distinctive historic homes.

Tender closes 12pm on Wednesday 30th September 2026 at Tommy’s Real Estate Limited, 209 Victoria Street, Te Aro, Wellington. (Vendor reserves the right to sell prior)