Beacon House

Beacon House, originally a hotel known as the Queen’s Hotel, was built in 1854 by WB Reed. Constructed from limestone ashlar with lateral stacks, it is a building of neoclassical style, now used as shops and offices. The building has a double-depth plan and is four storeys high, with an attic. The front elevation has a 19th-century shop front on the ground floor. Above, the upper floors are divided into three sections by wide pilaster strips, extending to a frieze, cornice, and matching attic storey with coping. The tripartite first-floor windows have recessed surrounds and console cornices. Second- and third-floor windows are set in a raised surround with a moulded band, and sunken panels flank the bases of the lower windows. The sashes have 6 panes to the first floor, 3 panes over 6 panes to the third floor, and 3 panes over 3 panes to the attic. Two large lateral stacks are on each side, and the right return has a central window range with architraves. The interior has been extensively remodelled, although an open dogleg staircase remains, featuring cast-iron balusters decorated with foliage. The building is described as representing a transition between neoclassical and later Italianate styles.