5 Mansionhouse Road

Charles Davidson, 1898-9 with 1924, 1939 and late 20th century additions (see Notes). 2-storey and basement (exposed to S), 5-bay, U-plan villa-style former Eye Infirmary on sloping site with slightly advanced bowed end bays to front (E) elevation, Ionic porch, distinctive circular glazing pattern to principal windows, and 1924 addition forming S wing with balconied windows over arcaded ground floor loggia. Stugged, snecked sandstone with polished sandstone dressings. Base course; projecting window cills; 1st floor cill course; deep bracketed eaves, regular fenestration arranged in bays. Stone mullioned bipartite windows to principal (E) elevation with long and short window margins, corniced ground floor windows, deep bracketed cills (or balconies) to 1st floor windows, and distinctive hoodmoulds terminating in Ionic scrolls.

FURTHER DETAILS: principal elevation facing E with N and S wings extending from rear elevation, forming U-plan; 1924 outshot on S elevation (see Notes); modern additions in rear courtyard.

Stone steps to central 2-leaf timber panelled door with arched fanlight; plain round-arched architrave with prominent keystone and hoodmould terminating in Ionic Scrolls. Distyle Ionic porch with fluted granite to upper halves of columns. Regular fenestration to 3-storey S elevation; tall 1-bay outshot raised over arched base. Lower octagonal-ended extension to W raised over loggia; bracketed balconies to 1st floor windows with decorative cast-iron railings. Fairly irregularly-fenestrated courtyard elevations; courtyard partially filled by tall corrugated iron fire-escape. Slightly irregular fenestration to N with some later additions at ground.

Predominantly plate glass in timber sash and case windows with horns; circular glazing pattern to upper sashes of principal windows; some smaller-pane glazing to rear and side windows. Corniced sandstone ridge stacks with red clay cans. Red tile roof with red ridge tiles and small terracotta ridge finials.

INTERIOR: relatively plain. Half-glazed timber-panelled lobby door with frosted glass. Timber stair with tapered newel and turned balusters. Fairly plain plaster cornicing to most rooms. 1 timber fireplace to upstairs sitting room. Some timber-panelled interior doors (many boarded over as fire doors).