17 Park Terrace

One of a combined group of three houses prominently positioned at high level adjacent to Park Tunnel. By P.F. Robinson architect c1832, for the 4th Duke of Newcastle and part of an early scheme to develop the Castle Park. House Listed Grade II. Italianate style. Combination of two, three and four storeys. Painted stucco facades, including string courses, cornices and pilasters with prominent storey height splayed stone plinth and quoins. Irregular arrangement of hipped slate roofs. Single storey 20c flat roof extensions. Plain dentil brackets to overhanging eaves on main roof. Main front faces garden overlooking The Park and Tunnel and forms square wing flanking recessed centre bay (No.16). Windows are mainly glazing bar sashes, some with moulded surrounds. Original semicircular arched opening with glazing bar sash window at first floor level on main front now removed and opening enlarged to accommodate late 20c casement. Original sash window in stone plinth at ground floor level on same facade also replaced by cross casement. Also, a number of other window alterations and additions. House entry at Park Terrace level through round arched gateway with rendered moulded head, square flanking piers and wrought iron gate. Originally, boundary wall and railings adjacent to gateway, now removed. Large chimney stack with multiple flues. Flues and caps, originally exposed brickwork, now rendered. Original chimney pots removed. Large original side stack with multiple flues on rear wing also removed. Interesting terraced garden spaces overlooking The Park, formed by exploiting steep slope with substantial stone and brick retaining walls linked by a series of steps. Part of lower garden may have been originally shared with No.16. Paved side terraces flanked by low, rendered, panelled and balustrade walls with ornamental vases. Balcony added, 20c, with wrought iron railings above side terrace.