An authentic working class street where tradespeople and an urban work force built cottages for their families in the early years of Nelson city’s growth (19th century). Today, the cobblestone street, the Victorian era style street lamps and picket fences reflect Nelson’s growth as a regional centre for the South Island.
Originally the cottages would have had kitchens, laundries and toilets as outhouses at the back of the cramped properties. Houses had their front steps opening directly onto the street with little room for a front garden. Window boxes and pots were substitutions for extensive gardens.
The worker’s cottages were built in the 1860’s largely from timber with timber shingles for the roof tiles. In 1981 the Nelson City Council protected the street, due to the age of the cottages and the street’s colonial character – it is narrow and the houses are close to the street and to each other.
For fans of heritage colonial buildings, scroll through the story of Sugar Tree Cottage 14 South Street – Nelson and find out about the lives of the occupants and the story of cottage 14 South Street Nelson city.
The current owners of South Street precinct, Nelson are passionate about the historic importance of their street and welcome visitors to stroll through the street snapping photos of the exteriors.
INTERESTING FACT NOTE AFFILIATE PARTNER STATEMENT
Most houses are not open for visitors as they are private residences. Bookabach does have listings for those cottages who welcome guests.
SOUTH STREET HERITAGE PRECINCT LOCATION
For visitors interested in heritage trails:
Three Gardens heritage walk through history (Nelson city)
Nelson city botanical hill to centre of NZ (Nelson city)
Historic cemeteries (Nelson city)
Nelson Provincial Museum (Nelson city)
Founders Park Museum (Nelson city)
Isel House & Garden (Nelson, Stoke)
Historic Golden Bay, Collingwood and surrounding district – Best Bits
BEST BITS TRAVEL GUIDE
