Three neighbouring historic homes in Wellington are now on the market, marking what the owners call the “end of an era.” The properties at 14, 16, and 18 Clifton Terrace sit high above the city in Kelburn and have stood for more than a century. Built in the late 1890s and early 1900s, these Edwardian homes carry stories, secrets, and a long connection to Wellington’s past.
Inside the Adams family home office, Peter and Kathryn Adams sift through old blueprints for 14 Clifton Terrace. The drawings show that the house once included a tower rising from the roof. What happened to that tower is still a mystery. Some say it was never built. Others believe it was removed after an earthquake. Whatever the truth, the house has watched over Wellington for decades.
A Builder With a Legacy
Peter Adams says that well-known railwayman George Vance Shannon built the three houses more than a century ago. Shannon was a director of the company that built the railway line from Palmerston North to Foxton. Stations along the route were named after the directors, including the town of Shannon.
Number 14 was built as the Shannon family home, while numbers 16 and 18 were created as investment properties. But shortly after the houses were completed, Shannon died. His widow tried to run number 14 as a boarding house, but it struggled. Rats, vermin, and poor conditions led to the city council condemning the property.
Saved From Demolition
In the 1970s, Peter’s mother Gwen Adams stepped in. She bought the three houses and added them to her portfolio of around 40 Wellington properties. After her death in 2003, most were sold off. These three are the final homes left in the family trust.
Now, at 83, Adams says it is time to “cash up and move on.”
Grand Homes With Huge Potential
All three houses are currently rented.
Numbers 16 and 18 each include two flats and around 220m² of space. They feature high ceilings, two living rooms, three toilets, and wide wraparound balconies with sweeping city views. Real estate agent Regan Day says there may even be hidden treasures inside, including a marble fireplace: “I did see a marble surround.”
Enquiries for each begin at $1,195,000.
Number 14 is the largest, with 340m² and four flats. The house keeps many character features like ornate cornices, extra-high studs and a strong sense of old-world charm. Day says it has “the most wow-factor” of the three.
Its RV is $1,970,000, with enquiries from $1,495,000.
A Rare Chance for Buyers
Despite their long history, none of the houses are heritage-listed. At one point, the family discussed turning them into university student accommodation, but Covid paused those plans.
Together, the three properties sit on a huge 1700m² block of land. Adams says the site offers buyers many options. They could restore all three grand homes, improve access, build modern townhouses across the front, or even demolish everything and start again.
The homes are Healthy Homes compliant and have had kitchen and bathroom upgrades. But at more than 120 years old, they need some care. Day says buyers could transform them into something truly special by blending their character with modern updates.
An Emotional Farewell
Adams says he doesn’t feel a deep personal connection to the houses, but they have provided steady income for decades. “It’s the end of an era, something that my mother worked very hard to achieve. Sad to see it go, but it’s life moving on.”
Tenders for 14, 16, and 18 Clifton Terrace close on December 3 with Ray White agent Regan Day.
🔔 Stay tuned with Non-Stop Wellington Live for the latest Wellington news, weather updates, and what’s really happening across the capital.
~LoveLove
TRUTH SEEKER
Instantly run a Quiz with friends... about the article. Interact more & analise the story. Dig in, catch out biased opinions, and "fact check" with TRUTH SEEKER by ONENETWORK WELLINGTONLIVE 👋
Do you agree with the main argument of this article?
Total votes: 1
Who built the three historic homes on Clifton Terrace?
Bias Analysis
Fact Check Summary
False, none of the houses are heritage-listed.
Source: Article
True, the homes are Healthy Homes compliant.
Source: Article
