52 The Ropewalk

Detached house c1828-29. Now subdivided and converted for use as offices and flats. One of a group of houses on The Ropewalk which were amongst the first to be built in The Park c1828-34. Formerly gardens, the site had prominent views over Nottingham Terrace, (now named Park Terrace), and across The Park. The 4th Duke of Newcastle had grand aesthetic aspirations for a select ‘residential plan’ in The Park and by identifying these plots and commencing building work he aggravated Town inhabitants who were becoming increasingly concerned at impending loss of The Park as an area of common recreational use. Two storeys plus basement. Painted stucco facades with plain tile, gabled roof to original building. Various 19c, 20c and 21c alterations and extensions. Two storey, symmetrical main front to Park Terrace with single and two storey later side extensions and fire escape staircase. Late 19c or early 20c pair of bow window bays replacing original ground floor window openings. Pair of plain sash windows at first floor level with moulded surrounds and segmental arched heads. Eaves cornice above with modillion brackets and plain band in shallow relief. Coped parapet with plain inset panels and two sections of balustrading. Later staircase to basement with rendered flank walls. On road front facing The Ropewalk, large three storey, mid 19c, painted brick extension with variety of openings. Set back in yard area, surviving part of original three storey stucco facade with single window opening to each floor. Plain and glazing bar sash windows with moulded surrounds, sills and sill brackets. Eaves cornice with modillion brackets, plain band and blocking course above. Single storey 19c extension in yard area. Side wall chimney stacks with plinths, separate flues and moulded caps, now rendered or painted. Later hooded pots. Original garden area adjacent to Park Terrace now converted into car park and linked with adjacent car park in former garden area of No. 48. Alterations to original Park Terrace boundary wall with enlarged openings for vehicle access.