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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.
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A heritage-listed 1890s shophouse at 288 Cuba St, Wellington, is for sale, famed for its connection to LGBTQI+ icon Carmen Rupe. She operated her shop, Carmen's Curios, from the premises, adding to its significant cultural history.
This mixed-use investment property is fully tenanted, generating weekly income from a ground-floor commercial space and upstairs residence. Marketed by Ray White Wellington, this unique property will be auctioned on November 14, 2025.
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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