52-58, THE ESPLANADE

This is a convex terrace of seven houses, now largely converted into flats, built in the mid-19th century. The buildings are constructed of ashlar, with channel rustication to the basement level. Architectural details include a plinth band, a band marking the first floor, a moulded cornice, and a partial strapwork parapet on the left-hand side. Numbers 52, 55, and 58 have an attic storey behind a pedimented gable. The roofs are slate-covered, with three brick chimney stacks and one of ashlar. The architectural style is Italianate.

The terrace is three storeys high, with basements, and has 3:3:3:3:3:3:3 bays. The first, fourth, and seventh bays project slightly. Sash windows are set within moulded architraves; the ground floor windows have semi-circular heads in plain reveals. Windows on the first and second floors have keystones, and bracketed sills. Each set of bays features a central window on the first floor with a triangular pediment, and the window at number 55 is further accentuated by a stone balcony supported on brackets. The attic has triple semi-circular headed sash windows with keys.

The front doors have semi-circular heads. The door openings at numbers 53 and 54, and 56 and 57, are particularly emphasised, with tapering pilasters and strapwork parapets. Most of the original two-panelled doors survive, although some have been replaced with 20th-century doors. A flight of steps leads up to each door, bridging the basement areas. This terrace is the only surviving unaltered example on The Esplanade.