28 Springfield, Dundee

28 Springfield comprises a neo-classical cul-de-sac development constructed between 1828 and 1851, initially feued in 1830-1831. The layout was subsequently modified to exclude Springfield House. 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 properties at Nos 5-14 and 18-27 are two-storey houses with basements (some of which have been infilled). They are arranged in pairs, each pair featuring a central tetrastyle Doric portico and wrought and cast-iron balconies (mostly now absent). Windows are framed by lugged architraves, corniced at ground level, and have 1st-floor cill courses. A main cornice and balustrade run along the terrace. Lower pairs are alternately advanced and recessed, while upper pairs are generally on the same plane. Most recessed pairs lack pilaster strips on their north ends.

Nos 15 and 16 share a similar design but incorporate 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 positioned on the left side. A one-storey link connects No 17 to No 16.

The Perth Road elevations of Nos 1-4 and 29-32 are symmetrical, eight-bay structures with the two end bays slightly advanced. These also feature central tetrastyle porticos. No 1 is angled to accommodate Perth Road and has a truncated porch on its side. No 32 boasts a Doric portico, a cast-iron balcony, and a later hemispherical, pilastered bow that rises through the ground and first floors. No 3 has a later balustrade and mullioned windows, while No 32 has been altered.

The corner houses, Nos 4 and 29, are two bays wide facing Perth Road and three bays wide facing Springfield. They share a similar style. No 4 features a central portico and a panelled wallhead stack facing Springfield, with a recent restoration of its balustrade. No 29 has a portico on its right side, a wallhead stack that has been partly removed for a later slate mansard roof with consoled dormers.

Most windows are later two-pane sash and case, though some retain original four- or twelve-pane glazing. Some are modern. The roofs are low-pitched and slate-covered, with ridge stacks. The rear of the buildings are constructed from rubble.

Some good, original Ionic-style plastered interiors remain. The original iron railings are missing. Historic documentation, dated 28 January 1830, refers to the development being feu’d “according to a much approved plan by an eminent architects in Edinburgh”.