House Northbrook in Wainuiomata

House Northbrook and Wood family, Wainuiomata (circa 1904-05). Burdan, Claude Oswald, 1896-1972 :Photographs chiefly of Wainuiomata. Ref: 1/2-060611-F. Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, New Zealand. /records/22656151

‘Northbrook’ house in 1908 was inhabited by the Wood family. Pictured from left to right, are Florence Wood; Clara being held on Mary Wood’s hip; and twins Connie & Mabel positioned beside their father, James Wood. An inscription on the back of the file print indicates, ‘Built in 1867 by Mowlem.’

Originally built in 1867 by John Mowlem, the property transitioned to brothers-in-law Duncan and John Sinclair, with Duncan briefly residing there with his family. After the Sinclair bankruptcy in the 1880s, the property was acquired by John and Mary Wakeham of Wainuiomata, with John being the grandson of Richard Prouse. Upon the Wakehams’ retirement to Petone, JJ Wood, who previously farmed upper Moores Valley near the Scout Camp, assumed ownership. Subsequently, the house was divided into two units and rented to families. However, due to its lack of insulation and lofty ceilings, it gained a reputation for being difficult to heat, earning the reputation as being a cold house.

As far back as the 1920s, when the house reached the age of 60, discussions arose regarding the possibility of reinforcing the timber damaged by borer. However, the Whitcher brothers, who were carpenters/builders, concluded that the house was beyond repair. The house was eventually dismantled in August 1982.

A cohort of school teachers tasked with demolition, thought they could finish the job in a short amount of time. Yet, “Northbrook” had the final say—the reliance on mortise and tenon joints made the endeavor unexpectedly arduous and time-consuming for all involved.