Survey Data
Reg No
50930197
Rating
Regional
Categories of Special Interest
Architectural, Artistic, Historical
Original Use
House
In Use As
Office
Date
1855 - 1865
Coordinates
316437, 232847
Date Recorded
25/07/2015
Date Updated
--/--/--
Description
Terraced two-bay four-storey former townhouse over basement, built c. 1860, as terrace of five, Nos 29-33. Exposed bay of rear (west) elevation bowed and two-stage pitched return to rear. Now in use as offices. M-profiled slate roof with terracotta ridge tiles, concealed by ashlar granite parapet with moulded cornice and coping, pairs of brick chimneys to north and south party walls with clay pots, parapet gutters and cast-iron rainwater goods to rear. Red brick walls in Flemish bond over rusticated granite walling to ground floor over random ashlar stone basement walling beneath granite stringcourse. Square-headed window openings with brick voussoirs, patent reveals, projecting granite sills, one-over-one timber sashes with horns. Iron guard rails to second and third floor openings, decorative cast-iron balconettes resting on granite platband at first floor level, replacement balconette inserted to ground floor window. Block-and-start granite surround to basement window, with metal grille affixed to sill and replacement one-over-one timber sash. Horizontally aligned two-over-two timber sashes to rear, round-headed opening to second floor of south bay, having coloured glass margin lights. Mainly concrete lintels to rear openings, having horizontally aligned two-over-two timber sashes and round-headed opening to third floor level with coloured margin lights. Round-headed opening to principal (east) elevation with rendered reveals, projecting Ionic columned entablature, replacement plain glass fanlight and timber four-panelled beaded muntin door with brass handle and letterbox. Door approached by single granite step, original cast-iron railings to basement well affixed to granite plinth and recent steel steps to basement. Coal-hole cover to pavement. Random limestone rubble boundary wall to west along Lesson Close, having vehicular entrance with decorative cast-iron gates supported on brick piers with granite coping, and round-headed pedestrian entrance having projecting dressed stone surround with decorative iron gate. Two-storey terraced mews building with pitched slate roof, yellow brick walls rendered on upper floor, square-headed carriage-arch to north-bay with timber sheeted doors and timber lintel. Square-headed window openings with granite sills, generally replacement timber and uPVC windows except for single two-over-two timber sash, replacement timber door. Street-fronted on western side of Fitzwilliam Place, with similar terrace located to north, Nos 34-6 (50930199-201).
Appraisal
A Georgian-style former townhouse, one of a group of five designed by Dublin born architect Joseph Maguire (1820-1909). With restrained detailing, vertical massing and well-balanced proportions this unified terrace forms an integral part of Fitzwilliam Place and contributes much to defining the character of the wider streetscape. The restrained façade is enlivened by decorative cast-iron balconettes, which add visual interest, while the boundary cast-iron railings and granite step enhance the street setting. The overall character of the terrace has been largely retained, despite some loss of historic fabric. Although the streetscape is largely cohesive in appearance, slight variations between the groups of terraces on Fitzwilliam Place is illustrative of the incremental nature of speculative development. Was the home of Fr. John Sullivan S.J. between 1864-1900.