Essex House (Number 18) And Attached Area Railings

Essex House (Number 18) is a house that now serves as both a residence and an office, along with attached area railings. It was built around 1803 by developer J Smith, who was a plumber. The building features stucco over brick with a concealed roof and stucco stacks, complemented by iron railings. It has a single depth plan with a central hallway.

The exterior is three stories high with a basement and has five first-floor windows, along with a single-storey extension to the left. The original windows are 6/6 sashes, all set in plain reveals with sills. The basement also has 6/6 sashes in cambered-arched surrounds. There are five steps leading to the central entrance of the main block, which features a flight of steps to a four-panel door adorned with a fluted frieze and fanlight, showcasing batwing and circle glazing bars. There is an additional entrance to the extension, which includes a six-flush-panel door with an overlight. The building is topped with a low parapet that has copings.

Inside, No. 18 retains its original plasterwork and joinery, including embellished cornices with an acanthus motif, panelled shutters, and a narrow open-well staircase with stick balusters and a wreathed handrail featuring embellished tread ends. The doors are framed with tooled architraves that include fleurons.

The area railings are designed with lancet shapes and feature urn finials on the stanchions. There is also a boot scraper located at the top step. Historically, the land for this development was purchased from Joseph Pitt in 1803, and the first occupant was Mr. Cooke, a surgeon, according to historical deeds. Construction on Rodney Road had begun by 1809, and many houses are depicted on the Post Office Map of 1820.