Beech Hurst And Attached Rear Area Railings

Beech Hurst is a house, now used as offices, that dates back to 1798 and was built for Samuel Rolles. It is constructed of brick with ashlar dressings and features ridge stacks and a hipped slate roof, showcasing a mid Georgian style. The building has a double-depth plan, stands three storeys tall with a semi-basement, and has a symmetrical five-bay front with a three-bay central section that is pedimented. The double fronted design includes a raised ground floor with a plat band, a moulded first-floor cill band, a modillion cornice, and a parapet. The steep coped pediment contains a coat of arms beneath a helm, supported by palm branches and a motto scroll.

Access is via curved steps leading to a semicircular bowed porch, which is supported by four Tuscan columns and features a Doric entablature and cornice. The porch covers a segmental-arched doorway with a decorative fanlight and a six-panel door. The windows are gauged brick round-arched on the ground floor and flat-arched on the upper floors, with those flanking the entrance set in matching arched recesses. The upper windows have architraves, and the lower ones have a console cornice, with recessed six-over-six pane sashes and three-over-three panes on the second floor. The rear of the building has similar divisions and fenestration, with a central doorway that includes a good fanlight and a six-panel door, flanked by blocked windows. There is also a dated panel inscribed with RSA/1798.

Inside, there is a central stairwell with the bottom flight removed, cantilevered upper landings, and fine original marble and plaster fireplaces with carved and enriched panels. The first and second floors feature decorated plasterwork. The property also includes attached rear spear-headed iron railings and gates. Beech Hurst, along with No.11 Thames Street, is one of the two largest Georgian houses in Poole and holds a prominent position on the High Street.