16 and 17 George Square

James Brown, 1767-1779. Numerous alterations and additions including enlargement of attic storeys with new dormers: William Smith and Sons, joiners, 1882 (mansard roof at numbers 16 and 17); James Bow Dunn 1890 (number 21); Arthur Colville & Co, builder, 1911 (number 18); James Jerdan 1896, dormers and oriel window at rear (number 20); Reginald Fairlie, 1912, extension at rear (number 26); University of Edinburgh Department of Works, 1953 internal alterations and additions to numbers 27 and 28. 4- and 5-storey, 3- and 4-bay, mainly rectangular plan classical style houses which form a terrace, (23a and b single storey and basement insertion 1779). The terrace is now a series of university departments, offices and houses. Numbers 16-22 squared snecked pink and cream Craigmillar rubble sandstone with blue whin pinnings; numbers 23, 23a and 23b, 24-27 coursed rubble with snecked ashlar dressings; numbers 28 and 29 Craigleith ashlar. Set on ground sloping north to south and forming the west side of George Square. Numbers 16-22 and 28 architraved doorpieces; numbers 23, 25-27 Roman Doric doorpieces; number 24 Ionic doorpiece; numbers 25-27 raised long and short quoins; number 29 arched openings at ground floor, plain doorpiece with elaborate fanlight; number 23a and b arched openings at ground floor with central Venetian window.

Mainly 12-pane glazing in timber sash and case windows with some large pane glazing. Tall corniced gable stacks with yellow clay cans.

Most interiors were seen in 2015. Many have been altered and connected internally but still retain elements of outstanding Georgian interior schemes, staircases with decorative iron balusters and timber handrails, marble and timber chimneypieces, panelled timber doors, fine decorative cornices and some timber dadoes as well as some good late 19th century elements.