Description

Early 19th century. 2-storey, 3 bay classical villa-style dwelling (now terraced) with out-of-keeping later 20th century box dormers. Impressive original doorpiece with engaged Ionic columns supporting entablature; recessed timber panelled door between pilasters; fanlight with original glazing above; 1 small later window to R. Base course; moulded cill course to 1st floor architraved windows; outer pilasters supporting moulded cornice and blocking course; small central pediment with stack at apex. Painted ashlar.

N (REAR) ELEVATION: 3 bays with small later windows at ground centre L and 1st floor centre R; central forestair with cast-iron railings. Lower basement level. Modern continuous dormer. Rubble with dressed ashlar margins.

INTERIOR: common close leading to 3 flats with curved stone stair to 1st floor. Upper flat with original timber panelled window embrasures; original Regency reeded chimneypiece in green fossiliferous marble with cream-coloured corner roundels; good timber panelled doors with horizontal and vertical fields; reeded architraves.

UPVC windows replacing traditional timber sash and case 12-pane windows. Grey slates; stone roof ridge; flat skew to L.

Statement of Interest

An excellent example of a villa-style flatted dwelling where the overall effect is of a complete house. Beith has a number of good early 19th century classical villas, expressing a period of prosperity and architectural confidence in the town. The classical doorpiece of No 44 is one of the best examples of its kind in the town and is a rare survival, remaining intact. The timber panelled outer door is also original. Unfortunately the building is now in poor repair and has suffered from inappropriate alterations, in particular the addition of the box dormers and uPVC glazing. It is likely that the front elevation of the building was intended to be exposed dressed ashlar, rather than the painted or rendered surface it is now (2003).

External Links

• Historic Environment Scotland Listing
• Wikidata Q17829158

External links are from the relevant listing authority and, where applicable, Wikidata. Wikidata IDs may be related buildings as well as this specific building. If you want to add or update a link, you will need to do so by editing the Wikidata entry.

Recommended Books

• 
  The green guide for historic buildings: how to improve the environmental performance of listed and historic buildings
• 
  Cornwall (Pevsner Architectural Guides) (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)
• 
  Old House Handbook: A Practical Guide to Care and Repair
• 
  Dorset (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)
• 
  Yorkshire West Riding: Leeds, Bradford and the North (Pevsner Architectural Guides / Buildings of England)
• 
  Period Property Manual (New Ed)