10 and 10a, Soho Square W1

This is a pair of terraced townhouses located on Soho Square, dating back to approximately 1676. Originally built as two separate houses, they were united in 1696 and subsequently altered. The houses are constructed of stock brick with a tiled roof, and extend over three storeys, a basement, and a dormered mansard. They have six windows across the front. The ground floor is rendered with rusticated stucco, with the left-hand side altered for the entrance to the 20th-century Lysbeth Hall. This section features two doorways, one with a 19th-century cornice supported by consoles, and two renewed segmental arched sash windows. The upper floors are flanked by stucco quoin pilasters and contain recessed sash windows with glazing bars, set within flat gauged arches and exposed boxing. The windows have stucco sill courses carved above the quoin pilasters, topped by a 19th-century cornice and parapet. Cast iron area railings are present. The interior retains the original plan of two large rooms on the upper floors, front and back. A virtually intact original dog leg staircase is located to the rear, parallel with the back wall. This staircase features a closed string, turned balusters, heavy newels, and a handrail. The ante-room on the first floor retains substantial early 18th-century decorative features, including pedimented carved doorcases, panelling, and cornices.