2-8 Beacon Terrace, Beacon Hill

A terrace of seven houses at 2-8 Beacon Terrace, Beacon Hill, Torquay, built in 1833 by Jacob Harvey. The terrace is located on a hillside overlooking the harbour. The houses are sited stepping up the hill, with double-depth plans and front doors to the right.

The houses are three storeys and attic, and are of alternating designs: Type A (Nos. 2, 4, 6, and 8) feature low parapets, and platbands at the level of the second-floor sills; they originally had cast-iron first-floor balconies with tent roofs. Type B (Nos. 3, 5, and 7) have similar platbands interrupted by giant pilasters with incised key decoration, incised capitals, and a plain entablature to the first and second floors. The doorways are round-headed, originally similar in style to those at Southernhay, Exeter, with panelled reveals, moulded architraves with vermiculated rustication, and key blocks with carved or cast heads (some doorways have been altered). Some retain lead fanlights with star motifs around central roundels. Ground floor windows were originally twelve-pane sashes, most have been reglazed, with some retaining sunblind fascias. First floor windows are six over nine-pane sashes, and second floor windows are twelve-pane sashes. Attic dormers are present. Cast-iron balconies are present (Nos. 6 and 8 have been replaced), decorated with anthemia and palmettes. No. 2 has a flat-roofed addition to the left. Nos. 3 and 4 have gas lamps attached.

The interior remains uninspected, but may contain features of interest.

An 1839 view of Beacon Hill shows the terrace before alterations. The terrace is considered a fine example of its date and a good illustration of the urbane designs of Jacob Harvey, who designed some of the best early 19th-century housing in Torquay. Group value is present due to its architectural and historical significance.