25 Springfield, Dundee

25 Springfield comprises a neo-classical cul-de-sac development constructed between 1828 and 1851, initially feued between 1830 and 1831. The design was intended to be by an “eminent architect in Edinburgh”. The terraces are stepped up from the sea and terminate with a semi-detached house to the north and short terraces along Perth Road.

The houses at Nos 5-14 and 18-27 consist of two-storey, three-bay structures built in pairs, with basements (some of which have been infilled). Each pair is characterized by a central tetrastyle Doric portico and wrought and cast-iron balconies (now largely absent). Windows are set within lugged architraves, corniced at ground level, with first-floor cill courses. A main cornice and balustrade runs along the top of the terraces. The lower pairs alternate between projecting and recessed, while later upper pairs are aligned on the same plane. Almost all recessed pairs have pilaster strips to their north-facing ends.

Nos 15 and 16 share a similar style but include a full-length ground-floor colonnade. A modern addition is located to the west of No 15. Nos 17 and 28 are single, three-bay houses with a portico on the left side. A single-storey link connects No 17 to No 16.

The elevations facing Perth Road are symmetrical, eight-bay arrangements, with two bays at each end slightly projected forward. These also incorporate central tetrastyle porticos. No 1 is angled to accommodate Perth Road and includes a trabeated porch to the side. No 32 features a Doric portico, a cast-iron balcony, and a later hemispherical, pilastered bow rising through both ground and first floors. No 3 has an altered, mullioned balustrade.

The corner houses, with two bays facing Perth Road and three bays facing Springfield, are built in a similar style. No 4 features a central portico and a panelled wallhead stack to Springfield, alongside a recently restored balustrade. No 29 has a portico to the right, a wallhead stack that was partly dismantled to make way for a later slate mansard roof with consoled dormers.

The windows are primarily sash and case, with most now containing two panes. Some windows retain original four- or twelve-pane glass, alongside some modern replacements. The roofs are low-pitched and slate-covered, with ridge stacks. The rear elevations are constructed of rubble.

Some well-preserved, plastered Ionic interiors remain within the houses. Historic records indicate that the development was feued under plans by an architect in Edinburgh. Original iron railings are now missing.