Numbers 1-42 And Attached Railings And Linking Arches

A grand palace-style terrace of 42 houses, comprising 37 individual houses and 5 semi-detached pairs, built circa 1825 in Camden. Designed by John Nash for the Commissioners of Woods, Forests and Land Revenues, and constructed by J Burton. The terrace is finished in stucco with slate mansard roofs and attic dormers.

The building forms the longest unbroken façade in Regent's Park, extending approximately 280 metres, with an alternating architectural system of bays marked A, B, and C (ABCBABCBA). At either end, projecting pavilion blocks are connected to the main façade by thin triumphal arches.

The main block runs from Numbers 6 to 38, presenting a symmetrical composition of three and four storeys, each house having three windows. The "A" bays feature a screen of eight free-standing, fluted Corinthian columns supporting an entablature with a modillion cornice, above which sits a recessed attic storey with round-arched windows. Round-arched ground floor openings have architraved heads linked by impost bands, with recessed doorways containing panelled doors and fanlights. Windows throughout feature margin glazing. First-floor windows are architraved sashes with continuous cast-iron balconies.

The "B" bays have round-arched ground floor openings with architraved heads linked by impost bands, recessed doorways with panelled doors and fanlights, and windows with margin glazing. The first and second floors have architraved sashes, with the first floor having a continuous cast-iron balcony. A projecting modillion cornice runs at third-floor level, with a cornice and blocking course above the second floor.

The "C" bays project slightly and feature a screen of six attached, fluted Corinthian columns supporting an entablature with modillion cornice, above which rise two recessed attic storeys with a cornice at third-floor sill level and a pediment above. Round-arched ground floor openings, architraved heads linked by impost bands, recessed doorways with panelled doors and fanlights, and windows with margin glazing are present. First and second floors have architraved sashes, with the first floor having a continuous cast-iron balcony.

Numbers 4 and 5, and Numbers 39 and 40, are positioned to the south and north of the arches respectively. These houses have channelled stucco ground floors, square-headed doorways with panelled doors and fanlights, and recessed sashes on upper floors with architraves. First floors feature continuous cast-iron balconies, with a main cornice at third-floor level and cornice and blocking course above. The right-hand return of Number 4 is pedimented with blind windows.

Number 3, fronting Chester Gate, comprises two storeys and a basement with four windows, forming the terminal return to the main block. Three central bays project slightly and are fronted by a Greek Doric prostyle portico with a panelled door and fanlight. The upper floors have recessed sashes, those flanking the portico bearing shouldered architraves (the left-hand one blind). The right-hand bay contains a projecting bay window surmounted by a parapet with a central balustraded panel. The cornice and blocking course feature a central segmental-headed cut-out block flanked by panelled dies. The left-hand angle bears an enriched pilaster strip surmounted by an anthemia acroterion; the right-hand angle has an anthemia acroterion only. A symmetrical west frontage to the garden has two windows with first-floor balconies. A bust of Nash appears on a bracket between the first-floor windows, and a parapet with a central urn crowns the composition. Attached cast-iron railings flank the garden and steps.

Numbers 1, 2, and 41, 42 form projecting pavilion blocks fronting Regent's Park, linked to the main block by triumphal arches. These are similar to the "C" bays and comprise four storeys with five windows to the main fronts and three-window returns. Attached Corinthian columns, paired at the angles, rise through the first and second floors to support an entablature with projecting cornice. Corinthian pilasters appear on other fronts. Round-arched ground floor openings have architraved windows with margin glazing. Upper floors have recessed sashes, with first floors bearing cast-iron balconies except at the central window. The second and third floors form attic storeys, with the second floor having architraved windows, a cornice at third-floor sill level, and a cornice and blocking course above the third floor.

The subsidiary features include attached cast-iron railings to areas. The linking triumphal arches have round-arched vehicle entrances flanked by pedestrian entrances. Inner elevations feature four attached Corinthian columns supporting a modillion entablature, above which sits a scrolled frieze, cornice, and blocking course. Outer elevations have four Corinthian pilasters supporting a modillion entablature with a panel inscribed "Chester Terrace", cornice, and blocking course.

A historical note records that Number 13 was the residence of C.R. Cockerell, architect and antiquary, commemorated by an English Heritage plaque.