Berkeley Hotel

The Berkeley Hotel is a hotel built in 1884 by W.M. Robbins, with alterations made in the mid-20th century. It features yellow brick with red brick and limestone dressings, and originally had an iron widow's walk with steeply-swept slate sides, although it now has a flat roof.

The building stands three storeys tall with an attic and has a symmetrical facade with a window arrangement of three: two: three: two: three. The outer corners are marked by octagonal bays, and there is a central entrance bay that rises full-height. This entrance bay is connected to the outer bays by brick loggias on the ground and first floors, and it has a timber balcony on the second floor beneath an overhanging roof.

Red brick bands run between the windows on each floor, which feature segmental-arched heads, stone keys, springers, and plate-glass sashes. The corners and side elevations are topped with a moulded brick cornice. The entrance bay includes a segmental-arched doorway with panelled double doors and a mid-20th century canopy above. Three narrow windows sit above the entrance, with the second-floor window being shorter, and there is a square timber belvedere extending from the roof.

The loggias on either side of the entrance have open arches that match the windows, and there is a decorative balcony on the second floor supported by arched braced posts and trellis rails. The side elevations mirror the front, with a window arrangement of three: one: four: one: three, featuring a central canted four-light bay. Narrow eaves dormers with hipped roofs are positioned over the corner and side windows.

Inside, the hotel includes an entrance hall with a staircase, though it has been extensively altered in the mid-20th century. The Berkeley Hotel is a notable example of a purpose-built seaside hotel, prominently situated and constructed with local materials, showcasing a well-articulated design.