5 Learmonth Terrace, Edinburgh

8 Learmonth Terrace is a group value example of a classically styled townhouse terrace built in 1874 by John Chesser. The terrace comprises three storeys and a basement, demonstrating a Free Renaissance style with particularly striking details at the terminal bays. The advanced terminal bays feature prominent two-storey, three-light balustraded sections which are bowed at ground floor level and canted at the first floor. Corniced ashlar detailing is visible at the attic storey of numbers 5 to 7.

The building is constructed from sandstone ashlar, with a droved finish at basement level. A banded base course and moulded cill courses are present at the first and second floors. A corniced eaves course incorporates a balustrade above the advanced terminal bays, seamlessly integrating semicircular and triangular pedimented sandstone dormers. The entrance doorways are distinguished by large doorpieces, featuring paired, foliate console brackets flanking narrow, architraved sidelights. Above the timber six-panel doors are rectangular fanlights, topped with a cornice and balustrade. Moulded architraved windows define the bowed bay at ground and first floor levels, while a bowed balustrade sits at the first floor sill course. Further windows are framed by moulded architraves, with the first-floor window bracketed and topped with a round arched pediment. The second floor windows are similarly framed, with a tripartite window over the canted bay, and bracketed cills. The attic storey and dormers are accented by moulded architraved surrounds.

The western elevation features three bays on ground falling away to the north. A prominent, balustraded bay dominates the center, rectangular at ground floor and canted at the first. Moulded cill courses and a corniced eaves course with a balustrade, incorporating wallhead stacks, are also present. Blind windows flank the central bay, with bracketed, round-arched pediments above the first-floor windows. A tripartite window occupies the centre of the second floor, flanked by two blind windows, all with bracketed cills.

The rear (north) elevation is five storeys high, constructed from roughly coursed squared sandstone rubble with some ashlar quoins, sills, and rybats. Fenestration is generally regular, with some oval windows incorporated. Three-storey, three-light canted bays are a prominent feature. A later rectangular dormer is visible toward the east (right).

Boundary walls to the rear are constructed from sandstone ashlar with moulded copes.

The windows are timber sash and case, fitted with plate glass. The pitched roof is covered in grey slates, punctuated by corniced ashlar gable end and ridge stacks, topped with modern clay cans. Cast-iron rainwater goods are in place, and cast-iron railings edge the basement area facing the street.

The interior is characterized by an ornate classical scheme, featuring intricate cornices. Large entrance vestibules display deep cornices, tiled floors, and predominantly dog-leg staircases leading to large cupolas with decorative plasterwork. Highly decorative plasterwork and substantial marble fire surrounds are found in the ground and first-floor drawing rooms. Inspections of numbers 5 to 7 in 2008 revealed compartmented ceilings and Corinthian columned entrance halls. The terrace has been subsequently converted into flats.