Numbers 125 And 127 And Attached Railings

Numbers 125 and 127 are a pair of semi-detached villas, now used as offices, dating to approximately 1834-40. They were shown on Merrett’s Map of 1834 and were likely designed by John Forbes, who became architect and surveyor to the Pittville Estate from 1835-6. The villas are constructed with stucco over brickwork, with a concealed roof, and include attached iron railings.

The plan features a double pile with outer side halls, originally with single-storey service wings to the rear. The two-storey main elevation has an attic on a basement, with eight first-floor windows arranged in a 1:1:4:1:1 pattern. The outer and central bays project forwards, the central breakforward highlighted by six pilasters extending through the ground and first-floor windows, each with Composite-type capitals; two are positioned centrally, between windows, and at the ends. An entablature tops the pilasters. Original 6/6 sash windows remain where present; those on the first floor of the outer bays are set within tooled architraves with cornices supported by console brackets. The basement features blind openings and 6/6 sash windows. The attic windows are sliding 6-pane sashes, set behind a screen of pillars, panels at the ends, and pilasters in the centre, topped by a crowning cornice and blocking course.

Flights of six steps, with roll-edged edges where original, lead to distyle fluted Doric porches that have wreaths incorporated into their friezes. Double four-panel doors with overlights featuring lozenge glazing bars and margin-lights provide access. The returns have three windows: the outer is blind, and the central window is a 6/6 sash between paired pilasters. The rear elevation retains original 6/6 and 3/3 sash windows.

The interior retains original plasterwork, including an acanthus cornice and ceiling frieze in the front room. The hall features a guilloche motif on the ceiling, and the dogleg staircase has a wreathed handrail and alternating ornate and stick balusters. Other original joinery includes panelled shutters.

The railings to the sides of the porches were likely made by Marshalls and display a motif inspired by LN Cottingham with stick balusters. These villas were built as part of the development of the Promenade, initially laid out in 1818 as a tree-lined drive to the Sherborne Spa. They form a distinguished group with numbers 121 and 123, 129 and 131, and 133, overlooking Imperial Gardens.