The Stackhouses

The Stackhouses are a block of "top-and-bottom" or stack houses, probably dating from the early 19th century, constructed in two phases and altered and recently restored. They are built of coursed squared sandstone, with a likely slate roof. The plan is linear, with the lower houses single-depth and built back-to-earth, facing east towards the River Brun, and the upper houses double-depth, facing a now-enclosed alley accessed from Bank Parade to the west.

The building is arranged as two pairs of houses, each with two storeys plus an attic. The right-hand pair (numbered 5 and 6 at ground level) has one window at each floor. They feature coupled doorways with carved surrounds; a round-headed doorway with stepped, rusticated voussoirs providing access to a stone staircase leading to the upper alley; and small rectangular windows with 20th-century 4-pane glazing. The pair above has a stone-flag balcony supported by cast-iron brackets and protected by cast-iron railings, along with French windows and rectangular windows above. The left-hand pair (numbered 7 and 8 at ground level) projects forward and has two windows at each floor. They feature unusual decorative elements, including carved bands at lintel level on the first three floors, and a band with panelled ends and rope-work ornament between the floors of the upper pair. They have separated doorways at ground floor level, and rectangular windows with 20th-century 12-pane top-hung casements on all floors, all with carved surrounds. A plaque on the right-hand (north) gable wall is inscribed "The owners of this land has a right to half this wall 1847". The interiors have not been inspected. The buildings possess group value given their contribution to the historic streetscape.