Holywell House

Holywell House is a substantial three-storey, five-window yellow brick house built in 1785. It was designed by Sir Robert Taylor for Sir William Domville, who later became Lord Mayor of London. The house has a low parapet and a prominent pediment over the three central bays, set above a full-width cornice. A stone string course runs along the first-floor cills, and there is a band at first-floor level across the three centre bays. A balustrade is located in front of the central window. The recessed sash windows have gauged, flat brick arches and glazing bars. Six steps lead to the front door, which consists of six fielded panels, a corniced head, and a decorative fanlight in a deep, plain reveal. The door is framed by a doorcase of Ionic columns and an entablature with an enriched cornice. Cast iron area railings and a handrail are present, along with a wrought iron overthrow incorporating a lamp holder in front of the door.

Inside, a first-floor room features an Adam fireplace constructed of marble, with flanking round arched niches. A ground-floor room has another Adam fireplace with a decorative plaster composition above, matching niches, an ornamental frieze, and enriched door and window architraves. Several other fireplaces from the period are also present, along with a staircase, though the lower flights are not original.

Holywell House is part of a group which includes numbers 36 to 58 (even) along Holywell Hill.