8 Park Terrace

One of a group of the earliest houses in The Park c1829. Probably by architect Peter Robinson (1776-1858) with William Patterson as builder. Robinson’s services were obtained by the 4th Duke of Newcastle in 1825 and in 1827 Robinson published one of the earliest proposals for a residential layout in The Park. The plan was never implemented. Grade II Listed. In single household use. Regency style houses built in semi detached pairs fronting Park Terrace and overlooking The Park, with paved and planted terraces and shared woodland garden. Paved garden terrace with railings supported by brick vaults and arches. Brick and stone retaining walls to garden terraces. Five storeys including attics and cellars. Two main storeys facing Park Terrace, with steps down to lower floor, three main storeys overlooking the garden. Stucco facades with moulded architraves to window openings, projecting sills on simple block brackets, plus string courses, plain frieze in shallow relief,cornices and parapets. Flat roofed single storey main entrance porch / vestibule on Park Terrace with pilaster and cornice details. Stucco on front and side facades and chimney stacks has been painted. Saddleback slate roof with gabled side elevation and lead lined gutters behind parapets. Pair of stuccoed sidewall chimney stacks with corbelled head and no cap. Mainly red roll top chimney pots. Original glazing bar sash windows generally with small panes. Iron balconette with open bar floor on brackets to each of two full length windows to principal room overlooking garden. Panelled main entrance door. Original railings on plinth to front boundary and steps. Railings also Listed. Stone garden wall with shared gated opening to Park Valley boundary. Elevated position of houses with paved and planted terraces and common woodland / garden area, creates a unified and imposing setting. Flat roofed building, including garage, added (early 20c) in part of the open area previously separating each pair of houses, possibly enclosed originally with railings / gates.