Bell's Brae House, 17 Bell's Brae, Dean Village, Edinburgh

Early 17th century merchant's house; alterations by Sir Basil Spence, 1946. 3 storeys, with additional storey to riverside elevation (N); set on ground rising to SW with adjoing lower single storey house to W (Hawthornbank Lane). Originally L-plan with circular-plan stair tower in re-entrant angle to S. Adjoining block lower block to W (single storey to Hawthornbank Lane) recessed to river elevation; forming enclosed courtyard. Coursed random rubble with long and short quoins. Some ashlar lintels, cills and rybats to surrounds throughout. Later (1946) large 2-storey transomed and mullioned studio window to river elevation at adjoining W block.

Predominantly 8-pane in timber sash and case windows, 6-pane timber casement windows, small paned French windows to W elevation. Pitched roof; pantiles; ashlar skews. Coped gable and wallhead stacks with modern clay cans. Cast-iron rainwater goods.