Number 81 And Attached Railings

Number 81 and attached railings is a house built around 1825, likely designed by J B Papworth. It features stucco over ashlar and brick, with a slate roof and stucco end stacks. The building has a central hallway plan and two full-height ranges at the rear.

The exterior consists of three storeys above a basement, with three first-floor windows. A moulded string-course runs along the second floor. The first floor has 6/6 sash windows, the second floor has 3/3 sash windows, and the ground floor features outer tripartite windows with a 6/6 sash between two 2/2 sashes, all set in segmental-arched recesses. The basement includes 8/8 and 3/3 sash windows, all with plain reveals and sills. The central entrance has 4-panel double doors within a solid Ionic porch that includes an overlight and margin-lights, topped with a cornice and a low parapet. At the rear, there is a tripartite bow with a 6/6 sash between two 2/2 sashes, flanked by pilasters and a cornice, along with some 6/6 sashes. Arches on either side provide access to the rear, adjoining Nos 79 and 83. The rear retains 6/6 sash windows.

Inside, the house preserves original joinery, including fielded panelled shutters. It is said to have many original features, such as a dog-leg staircase with stick balusters and a wreathed handrail, embellished cornices in the ground-floor rooms, and some marble fireplaces.

The railings on the left side feature lancet bars and dogbars. Historically, this house is notable as the least altered of only four remaining villas that follow Papworth's original design in the Montpellier area. It occupies an important site, serving as a visual stop at the end of Montpellier Drive.