The Lindens

The Lindens consist of a pair of semi-detached bungalows, originally built in 1798 as barracks by Alexander Copland for the Barrack Master, General Col DeLancey. They are constructed with timber framing clad in render, with a slate roof, replaced with asbestos-cement slate on number 24. Each bungalow has an L-shaped plan; number 24 has a hipped end to a long wing, while number 26 returns to a set-back gabled projection, with a linking return wing.

The exterior is single-storey, with two windows each. These are 4-pane sashes, set within square frames with pointed heads and an apron panel. A contemporary lean-to porch is centrally located, featuring a door with a pointed head, a transom light, side-lights with a mid-bar, and corner quadrants. A vertical projecting party-divider connects the two bungalows, extending over the roof slope as a slight capping. An eaves band features a series of small stamped or punched quatrefoils, and fluted end pilasters. Chimneys are located on the ridge and at each end of the building. The left return has a gabled end with wavy bargeboards above a large 4-pane sash, and the right return has a 1:3:1-light square bay with a lean-to roof and a large 4-pane sash. The interior has not been inspected.

These bungalows were likely officers’ quarters for the Radipole Cavalry Barracks, built in 1798 but abandoned by 1828. They were situated on the western side of a parade square, adjacent to Dorchester Road. They formed part of a chain of one-troop cavalry barracks along the south coast developed under DeLancey’s plan. Together with numbers 1-5 Radipole Terrace, they are notable examples of semi-permanent military accommodation, bridging a gap between temporary structures like warehouses and barns used during the Napoleonic Wars and permanent brick barracks.