20 And 21, Devonshire Buildings

A pair of terrace houses dating from approximately 1800 to 1804, possibly designed by Charles Harcourt Masters. The houses are constructed of rendered limestone rubble with slate roofs. They are built on a compact, double-depth plan, extending the full width to the rear, with an end elevation facing Devonshire Place. The principal elevation and gardens are to the north.

The houses are three storeys high, each with two windows. Number 20 has twelve-pane sash windows, a larger sixteen-pane sash on the first floor to the left, retaining an original iron flower guard. The original panelled door is centrally positioned on the ground floor, set within a Tuscan doorcase with a closed pediment. Number 21 has plain sash windows on the second floor, above French windows that span the width of the front, supported by a lattice structure and original decorative iron railing. The ground floor features two-light casements, and a part-glazed door within a wide latticed architrave with a cornice. A shallow frieze, blocking course, and parapet top the facade, with three ball finials on Number 21. Hipped roofs have square central stacks. A later external stack has been added to the return side facing Devonshire Place, where a plain sash window is located on the first floor. A ball finial marks the return to the rear of the block.

The rear elevation, in exposed rubble on Number 20, displays a pattern of windows at the normal level, alternating with dropped stair lights. Number 20 retains twelve-pane sash windows, while Number 21 primarily has plain sashes with original iron flower guards. Each house features a window beneath the staircase, with a door set within solid cheeks and a slab hood above.

Number 20 was recorded by the Bath Preservation Trust in the 1990s and retains many original features. A later doorway has been created to the kitchen, within what is believed to be the original external wall, with the kitchen area added approximately fifty years after the original construction. The grey marble fireplace is likely not original to the house. The drawing room was formed by combining two original rooms. The French windows opening onto the balcony are later additions.

Number 20 has a pair of rusticated square ashlar gate piers with moulded flat cappings, and a boundary wall constructed of squared dressed block with weathered coping, low railings, and a boundary wall. Number 21 has plain square ashlar piers with pyramidal caps and ball finials, coursed rubble walling, and railings. Squared block walls run along the frontage and party divisions. These form part of a very long speculative row, exhibiting variations and retaining substantial original details, though Number 21 has undergone more modifications.