Description

James Hill, 1788-94. Mirrored pair of 3-storey and attic, 3-bay classical former houses on ground falling to N (front). Droved cream ashlar with polished dressings. Cill course at ground; eaves course. Architraved corniced doorpieces with fluted friezes to inner bays; plate glass fanlights; deep-set doors, flush-panelled to No 4. No 2 with blind window at centre 2nd floor and pair of piend-roofed dormers. No 4 with mansard with 3 dormers.

Irregular coursed rubble gable with windows to left, and later bay to S. 2-storey and attic 2-bay rear elevation with projecting bay to right.

Timber sash and case 12-pane windows; plate glass at ground and 1st floor of No 2. Ashlar coped skews; stone stacks; grey slates.

INTERIOR: not seen 1995.

Statement of Interest

James Hill was a mason who built the street with finance from Robert Belshes of Greenyeards. No 4 retains a notable quantity of crown glass at 1st floor. Listed at Category A, despite the regrettable mansard, as a significant surviving part of the original fabric of Edinburgh?s New Town, one of the most important and best preserved examples of urban planning in Britain.

Recommended Books

• 
  Old House Handbook: A Practical Guide to Care and Repair by Hunt. Roger ( 2008 ) Hardcover
• 
  Development and Design of Heritage Sensitive Sites: Strategies for Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas
• 
  Pioneers of Modern Design: From William Morris to Walter Gropius (Penguin Art & Architecture)
• 
  Central Leinster: Kildare, Laois and Offaly (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of Ireland)
• 
  Maintaining and Repairing Old Houses: A Guide to Conservation, Sustainability and Economy
• 
  Old House Care and Repair