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‘It looked so cute’: Owners fell for ‘Carmen’s’ Cuba St shophouse

This heritage-listed 1890s shophouse in Cuba St, Wellington comes with a colourful history.

Colleen Hawkes
Last updated: 17 October 2025 | 4 min read

Currently a Thai massage parlour, the ground floor is notable for its large bay display window looking out onto Cuba St. The shopfront area is 39m².

Carmen (left) has left a lasting legacy in Wellington. From 1972-74 she owned a business here selling antiques and curios.

This portrait of Carmen by Sydney-based artist Nicolette Page was added to the NZ Portrait Gallery in 2019, part of exhibition Poutokomanawa: The Carmen Rupe Generation.

Bedrooms on the ground floor are currently used for massage rooms.

The original hand-carved staircase remains.

‘It looked so cute’

There is a one-bedroom residence upstairs, which can be separately tenanted.

The pergola is a more recent addition. During a massive renovation 18 years ago, a collection of lean-tos and “add-ons” were removed. RAY WHITE

There’s a view of city rooftops from the upper level.

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Colleen Hawkes Colleen Hawkes