In the Steps of Jack Leigh

Chapter 2: St Mary's Bay

page 5

We cross St Mary's Rd and head down Melford St to Dedwood Terrace. Until about 1878, Dedwood was the original name for Ponsonby.

I am still in lace collection mode.

Just down the hill is a fine example of mock-colonial. Variations on this design appear here and there around Ponsonby and elsewhere, especially on smaller sections where new houses have been built with a generous nod to the spirit of the past, and, my guess, not being an expert, with half a glance at seventies hippy American colonial.

On the corner of Dedwood Terrace, I have some difficulty identifying architect Mike King's house described in quotes by Leigh as "a contemporary home that has the character and quality of the original", and when on a venture I check the White Pages later that night, I discover a listing for Mike King on the side of Melford St opposite where I was looking.

According to Leigh, the renovations took some four years, and when finished, incorporated the front wall, the floor joists and the roof line of the original. Though, we are told, the house was almost ready for demolition when he began. Watch this space. I'll see if I can grab a picture next time I'm going past.

Up Dedwood Terrace, and here's a house with a small front garden:

and here's some more lace

Following Leigh, we turn right into Yarborough St. Named for the town in Lincolnshire, or by a bridge playing enthusiast, I'm not sure.

On the corner is a substantial house on three levels which I rather like.

Looking back across the road to Dedwood terrace we can see another attractive villa, and I wonder what it looked like before it rested over a double garage.

I add some more lace to my collection. (Note the hinged windows.)

Now, where have I see that before....?

A rare vacant section awaits inspiration, and in the meantime, links us with the harbour.

Nearby, another house is on the move

My word! I wonder whether the architect is the same one responsible for the boxed louvre look elsewhere.

Still, you can't expect people to keep on building villas. This is not Bermuda.

We are now approaching Selby Square, a green area with a tree and daffodils on each corner, and a "Don't pick the flowers" sign. Originally Brook Square, and then Seymour Square, it came to rest on Selby, the name of a well-known racing personality in the twenties. I turn Alice loose for a brief romp.

Leigh draws our attention to number 7

According to Leigh, it is known locally as the Old Homestead, or as Ivy Lodge, and he tells of an 1865 New York newspaper coming to light during renovations.

Just along the way is another house I like very much, marking a transition from villa into the next generation of houses.