3-6, GRAFTON STREET W1 (See details for further address information)

This is an exceptional group of very large terraced houses located at 3-6 Grafton Street, also including No 10 Bruton Lane. Dating from around 1760-1772, they were designed by Sir Robert Taylor. The houses are constructed of brown brick, with some sections painted, and have slate roofs. They stand four storeys high with basements, and feature 4, 4, 3, and 5 widely spaced windows, with a high piano nobile level. A prominent stone cornice runs above the second floor, and a cornice and blocking course are visible at the parapet. Plat bands and sill bands define the first floor. The windows are revealed glazing bar sashes with flat, gauged arches, and first-floor wrought iron balconies are present. The doorways are unusually massive, constructed with Tuscan column stone, and each is topped with a pediment. Wrought iron area railings with lamp standards are found at Nos 3 and 5.

The interiors are very fine, characterised by spacious staircases within apsed, top-lit wells, set to the rear and concealed behind column screens. No 6 features a tunnel vaulted entrance hall and staircase that turns at a right angle. A grand staircase was added to No 3 around 1904, commissioned by Mr Arthur James. The interiors retain extensive fine plasterwork ceilings, incorporating inset paintings. No 4 was formerly the residence of Lord Brougham from 1840 to 1868.