5 And 6, West Ascent

Nos. 5 and 6 West Ascent are a pair of houses dating from circa 1830, designed by James Burton as part of the original layout of St Leonards. They form a unified composition with No. 4, representing a remnant of a small terrace, as Nos. 1 and 2, and part of No. 3 were lost during wartime bombing.

The houses are three storeys high with a semi-basement and have a 1:3:1 window arrangement. They are constructed with stuccoed facades. A cornice sits above the first floor, while another cornice and parapet define the top of the second floor. Square bay windows are present on both the ground floor and the basement level. The first-floor windows above these bays are set within moulded architraves, and between them are three narrow, round-headed windows; the central one is blind, all featuring semi-circular tympana. A similar arrangement exists on the second floor, though the outer windows here are set in reveals rather than architraves. The windows are sash windows, with missing glazing bars.

The houses share a joint porch featuring rusticated pilasters and an elliptical arch. This porch has a projecting cornice and parapet, traceried fanlights, and a cast iron handrail leading up the steps. Stuccoed balustrades are present at the basement areas.

Nos. 4 to 6 West Ascent are considered to form a group.