10, Downing Street Sw1

This is a large terraced town house, originally built in 1682 as two separate houses within Sir George Downing’s development of Downing Street. A large house dating to approximately 1677, facing Horseguards Parade, was incorporated into the design. Significant remodelling occurred between 1723 and 1735, undertaken by the Office of Works, with involvement from Isaac Ware, Kent, and Flitcroft. The street facade was refaced around 1766-1775, along with No. 11. A major reconstruction and restoration took place between 1960 and 1964 by Raymond Erith.

The exterior presents a darkened brick street front with minimal stone detailing and a slate roof. The house is three storeys high, with a basement and dormered mansard. It has a five-window front. A recessed panelled door with a fanlight, set within a stone architrave, is located in the second bay from the right, while a similar, disused doorway sits to the left. The windows are recessed glazing bar sashes under flat, gauged arches. A stone plat band runs below the first-floor sill band, and a main stone cornice sits below the coping to the parapet. Cast iron area railings with an overthrow lampholder are also present.

The rear north premises, dating to approximately 1700, were remodelled around 1723-1735 and are constructed of red brick with a hipped tiled roof. The north front is symmetrical, seven windows wide, with a three-window central break, and a five-window west return. This elevation also features recessed glazing bar sashes under flat, gauged arches.

While the interior has been significantly replanned and carefully reconstructed, alongside Nos. 11 and 12, the principal rooms and the north staircase remain. The top-lit stone staircase has a substantial S-shaped iron balustrade. A two-storey vaulted kitchen dates from 1723-1735. The Dining Room (and breakfast room) was designed by Soane between 1825 and 1826, featuring his characteristic shallow vault and panelling. The Drawing Room has a two-column screen decorated in the manner of Kent, while the Cabinet Room is marked by a screen of two richly carved Corinthian columns. There is also a collection of statuary marble fireplaces. No. 10 has served as the official residence of the Prime Minister, as First Lord of the Treasury, since 1735.