15 and 16, The Strand

Two terraced houses at 15 and 16 The Strand in Bideford, originally constructed as a single property in the early or mid-17th century and subsequently altered in the early 19th and 20th centuries.

The houses are built of brick and stone, clad in render, with a continuous slate roof shared between them and a tile ridge. The principal façade faces north. Both properties are three storeys high with two bays, and a flying freehold exists between them, providing additional floor space on the first floor of number 16 and the second floor of number 15.

The ground floors of both houses contain six-over-six timber sash windows, with the first floor of number 16 also containing six-over-six sashes. Three-over-six sashes are situated on the first floor of number 16 and the second floor of both properties. Simple timber doorhoods mark the entrances, positioned to the west of each building, with the hood of number 15 extended over the west ground floor window. A chimney is situated within the party wall to the east of number 15.

Internally, number 15 retains a segmental-headed fireplace within the east elevation of its ground floor living room and kitchen. A quarter-turn stair between these rooms is supported by a timber and stone pier in the south wall. The second floor has been subdivided to provide four smaller rooms. The front bedroom on the first floor contains an early or mid-17th century decorative plaster ceiling of circular design with floral decoration. Below a moulded cornice, a plaster frieze depicts two winged figures facing one another and holding a cornucopia. A modern staircase has been inserted within the hallway behind the original stair.

Number 16's ground floor is divided into two rooms. The front room contains an early 20th century timber and tile fireplace surround in its west elevation, and the east elevation is timber-framed with brick nogging and incorporates a fitted cupboard in the south wall. The rear room contains a winder stair in its northwest corner and a brick fireplace in its west wall; part of its east wall is constructed of timber and cob. On the first floor, a 17th century plaster frieze runs beneath the ceiling, and the east wall is lined with contemporary 17th century panelling.

The roof structure includes a collar beam and trenched purlins, with rafters and principal rafters carried on a large wall-plate between the two properties.