20-29, The Esplanade

This is a circa 1840 stucco terrace, numbers 20 to 29, which has been altered but retains its general character and contributes significantly to the area’s appearance. The terrace has three storeys, with later attic additions. Number 20, which marks the end of the terrace, rises to four storeys and features a slightly projecting element with pilasters; the capitals to the pilasters have been removed. Each house originally had three windows, and pilasters separate the houses above the ground floor. The ground floors are rusticated, and basements are present. A moulded main cornice runs continuously across the entire terrace. The windows are recessed sash windows, some retaining original glazing bars. Number 22 has a round-headed window on the first floor. Several houses have balconies on the first and second floors, featuring an iron anthemion pattern. Numbers 24 to 27 have iron trellis canopies with tent roofs covering the first and second floors. Numbers 25 and 26 slightly project forward. Most of the entrances have been altered, but semi-circular fanlights remain above them. The section of the Prince of Wales Hotel immediately adjacent to number 29 was originally part of the terrace. The terrace forms a group with numbers 1 to 19 (the Villa Esplanade Hotel), the Esplanade Hotel on Belmont Road, and the Prince of Wales Hotel on Prince of Wales Terrace.