2-3 Johnston Terrace, Edinburgh

1 Johnston Terrace in Edinburgh is a three-storey, later mansard-roofed terrace of tenements built in 1862 by Smith and Hardy, with contributions from George Roberts in 1866 and subsequent alterations. The building features a 21-bay façade that curves to follow the line of Johnston Terrace and Victoria Terrace at the rear. The exterior is finished in lightly droved ashlar, which is painted at the ground level, while the rear is constructed from squared and snecked stugged sandstone.

The design includes dividing bands between the ground and first floors, as well as between the first and second floors. There is an eaves cornice and a blocking course at the top. The windows are framed with roll-moulded surrounds. The left section of the building consists of a 9-bay block that has three storeys facing Johnston Terrace and five storeys facing Victoria Terrace, with a pedimented front and rear on the three outer bays. The central section is a 6-bay block that rises four storeys with a mansard-roofed attic on Johnston Terrace and six storeys on Victoria Terrace, featuring a sweeping curve and a dividing band between the second and third floors. The right section mirrors the left, with a 6-bay block that has three storeys and a mansard-roofed attic on Johnston Terrace and five storeys on Victoria Terrace.

The building is regularly fenestrated, with timber panelled doors leading to the flats, each with plate glass fanlights. The shops have two-leaf timber panelled storm doors. The windows are fitted with 4-pane glazing in timber sash and case frames. The roof is covered with grey slates, and there are tall ashlar stacks with cornices and circular cans at the ends and along the axial line.