The large cream coloured two story American bungalow styled building at number 5 King Edward Parade, known as Elizabeth House was once the site of the 32 room Ventnor Boarding House - built in 1880. The Boarding house caught fire at 2pm on the 6th of September in 1910 and despite the heroic efforts of the Devonport fire brigade it burnt to the ground along with a number of adjacent houses after a 2 hour battle with the wind and flames.
The Ventnor private Hotel was then built on the site. During World War 2 the Royal New Zealand Navy acquired the building to create much needed accommodation for the Women’s Royal New Zealand Naval Service. Although the building was named Elizabeth House after Princess Elizabeth, locals affectionately referred to it as the Wrennery. The building was sold to the Royal New Zealand Navy in 1959 and was operated by them until 1990 when it was sold to private owners.
As we continue to walk along the pathway you will notice many waterfront Villas lining the opposite side of the road. These buildings are characterized by their beautiful colonial architecture and stunning sea views. Throughout the streets of Devonport there is an impressive range of Villa style houses built from the late 1880s to the early 1900’s with single and double bay windows with detailed fretwork.
You can also see Bungalow and Arts and Crafts style houses built after the 1914-1918 war period. The large 2 story white Stucco and red Marseilles tile roofed house at no 6A King Edward Parade is a fine example of the Arts and Crafts style. The house known as Rockliff was built by Gilbert Sanford a prominent fishing company owner in 1923. The house was ideally situated so Gilbert could keep an eye on his fishing fleet as it sailed past and out to the Hauraki Gulf.
The houses that you see with ornate features reflect building periods when there was improved prosperity in the borough of Devonport.
Directions to Point 7 - Public execution site: Just before the May Street signpost on King Edward Parade, stop at the small concrete plinth and plaque next to the footpath overlooking the sea.
