Coastguard Cottages

A range of coastguard cottages built in 1882 in the Gothic style. The symmetrical range is constructed of yellow brick with red brick lintels and stone dressings, topped with a slate roof and ten ribbed brick chimneys with stone coping. The cottages are two storeys high, with attics to the projecting gables. There are twenty-five windows in total, generally two or three to each cottage. The front, or northwest, elevation features four projecting gables with kneelers, lunettes above the attics, and round-headed arches to the first-floor windows. Most windows are pointed-headed sash windows, although some were replaced in the late 20th century with uPVC frames. The original sashes have horns but lack glazing bars. A stone band runs between the floors. Arched doorcases provide entry, featuring half-glazed doors. The rear, or southeast, elevation is similar, but includes several later 20th-century flat-roofed one-story brick extensions. These coastguard cottages were built on reclaimed land, replacing earlier cottages in the town, and form part of a group that originally included the former coastguard officer's house, boathouse, and washhouse, comprising East Cowes Coastguard Station.