26 Minto Street, Edinburgh

This is a two-storey building with a raised basement and an additional storey attached to number 30, dating from 1827. It forms part of a near-symmetrical, 21-bay classical terrace of three-bay houses, with projecting central and terminal blocks. The building is constructed of cream sandstone ashlar, with a droved finish to the basement and first floor, and rusticated detail at ground level. Coursed rubble is used to the sides and rear.

The west (entrance) elevation has three-bay central and terminal blocks. A band course runs along the elevation. The central block is topped with a balustraded parapet featuring carved urns on number 24. Doorways are located to the outer left of the central block, and to the outer right of the terminal blocks, each featuring panelled doors and plate glass fanlights (an umbrella fanlight to the central block, and segmental arched fanlights to the terminal blocks). The doorways are framed by engaged Doric columns. Single windows are set above the doorways on the first floor. Single windows are set within segmental arched panels on both floors in the remaining bays, and single basement windows have ornamental cast iron grilles on number 24. Linking blocks connect the central and terminal sections, and contain doorways to the central bays, panelled doors, and plate glass fanlights.

The east elevation is characterised by irregular fenestration, including a full-height, three-light canted bay window to the outer left of number 24. The north (Mayfield Terrace) elevation has a stained glass stair window between the first and second floors. A single-storey entrance wing adjoins the east side, with a two-bay design and a pedimented doorway to the outer right, featuring a boarded door, floral carving, and bargeboards. A bipartite window is to the outer left, with ornamental cast iron grilles, and carved bargeboards to the overhanging eaves. The south (East Mayfield) elevation has a doorway (leading to 30A Minto Street) to the outer right and an irregular arrangement of windows above and to the outer left.

Most windows are timber sash and case with plate glass, though some are pivot windows. A few windows retain 12-pane glazing, particularly on the south and rear elevations. The roof is covered in grey slate, with corniced wallheads and moulded chimney cans.

The interior was not inspected in 1996.

Low, coped boundary walls run along Minto Street. A higher rubble wall defines the boundary to Mayfield Terrace, and a high, coped rubble wall runs along East Mayfield. Original railings are present on the steps leading to the doorways, areas, and East Mayfield; replacement railings are on Minto Street.