403 AND 404 THE SPA

ST 96 SW 4/209

MELKSHAM WITHOUT THE SPA, MELKSHAM (east side) Nos 403 and 404

GV II

Pair of attached houses. Early C19. Ashlar front and sides, rubblestone to rear, Welsh slate hipped roof with central stone and brick stacks. 4 storeys, 4 windows. Entrance doors to left and right are up stone steps to first floor rusticated porches. No 403 has C20 door below fanlight, No. 404 has 6-fielded-panelled double doors with fanlight. Basement has two 8-pane sashes and French windows. First floor is rusticated with four 8-pane sashes in semi-elliptical arched panels. Plat band with key decoration to second floor, four tall 8-pane sashes with wrought iron balconies. Third floor has smaller 8-pane sashes, second and third floor windows are separated by grooved pilasters carried up to cornice, with panelled frieze below. Blocking course. Left and right returns have blind windows to second and third floors and rusticated blind semi-circular arches to first floor of porch. Interior of No 403 not inspected; No 404 interior has grooved door cases and second floor drawing room with plaster cornice and marble fireplace; large 6-panelled double doors link rear and front rooms. First floor rooms have less elaborate plaster cornices. No 404 has 2 storey gabled mid C19 wing to rear, with two sashes. Part of a spa development in Melksham of c1815, whose success was shortlived. (Melksham Guide, 1815; V.C.H. Wiltshire, Vol. 7, 1953).

Listing NGR: ST9143262818